To New Mexico tribes, nations and pueblos, and your children and families, As has been heavily reported, I made some isolated, insensitive comments about Native Americans and Native American education in 2019 that were insulting and harmful. I very much regret the impact of my ignorant choice of words and cavalier attitude, and apologize to New Mexico tribal leadership and their communities, families and children, and to the staff of the Legislative Education Study Committee, for not being more thoughtful or informed. I further regret that these transgressions have taken the focus away from the work of the committee to develop policy and support resources for New Mexico children – especially Native American students.