EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The New Mexico Department of Justice said New Mexico State University has made “remarkable progress” in implementing reforms and addressing concerns after a hazing scandal rocked the men’s basketball program back in the 2022-23 season.
The state Department of Justice issued an update on Tuesday, May 20.
Back in December of 2024, the state Department of Justice issued a comprehensive report about what it calls “a troubling hazing incident involving the university’s men’s basketball team.”
The report identified seven areas of concern and provided 35 concrete recommendations aimed at improving campus safety, accountability and compliance with federal law.
State Attorney General Raul Torrez said that “NMSU has taken swift and decisive action, completing nearly two-thirds of the 35 recommendations outlined by our office and making substantial progress on the rest.”
Here is Torrez’s complete statement:
“I want to commend New Mexico State University and its new administration for their valiant efforts to confront and eliminate hazing on campus. In response to our report, ‘Title IX and Hazing on Campus: Lessons Learned from New Mexico State University,’ NMSU has taken swift and decisive action, completing nearly two-thirds of the 35 recommendations outlined by our office and making substantial progress on the rest. I encourage every university in New Mexico to review this report and adopt similar reforms to foster safer, more supportive environments for their students.”
NMSU President Valerio Ferme, who took the helm of the school this year, said: “We want to thank the Attorney General’s Office for its support in helping us understand these challenges. There’s still work to be done to ensure our campuses are places where everyone, especially students, can safely pursue their educational and professional goals. We have an incredibly devoted group of leaders who are committed to making us better, and we will continue to dedicate time and resources to address hazing and harassment to the best of our abilities.”
The hazing scandal led to the firing of men’s basketball coach Greg Heiar. Former NMSU basketball player Deshawndre Washington is facing charges for allegedly sexually assaulting teammates and student managers during 2022-23 season.
As we previously reported, his trial was scheduled to happen in April but was delayed. Two other players — Kim Aiken Jr. and Doctor Bradley — accepted plea deals.
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