FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: John Dyrcz
August 1, 2025 505-554-8679

Gallup – American Federation of Teachers New Mexico President Whitney Holland released the following statement:

“I am deeply troubled by the termination of teacher Sawyer Masonjones by the Gallup-McKinley County School District.

“I remain concerned that until Mr. Masonjones assumed the office of local president of the McKinley County Federation of United School Employees, he was unaware of any formal disciplinary proceedings against him. In fact, no formal action was taken against Mr. Masonjones until the District took issue with his communications as a union officer, a protected right under the New Mexico Public Employees Bargaining Act.

“As a statewide union, we are committed to ensuring all public educators in New Mexico are treated fairly and in accordance with all applicable laws. We have been standing with Mr. Masonjones through direct staff support, legal representation, and we intend to pursue Mr. Masonjones’ termination appeal through the arbitration process. Retaliation for union activity has no place in New Mexico.

“New Mexico needs willing and enthusiastic educators in our schools, especially those serving in rural districts, and AFT New Mexico will always support those educators in pursuing their passion for education by fighting for due process and fairness.”