The Western New Mexico University (WNMU) 5th Annual Social Justice and Diversity Symposium will feature a timely discussion titled “Judiciary Justice: The Current Climate.” The symposium will explore the state of judicial integrity, independence, and public trust in courts, examining how current events and evolving legal interpretations shape perceptions of justice and fairness.

Thursday, November 20, 2025, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. MST. This public event is free and open to the public, as well as WNMU students, staff, and faculty.

 Virtual Event via Zoom at https://wnmu.zoom.us/j/82680384220. The goal is to foster informed dialogue, reaffirm the judiciary’s role as a pillar of democracy, and identify pathways to strengthen confidence in the justice system for future generations.

Panelists—legal and social practitioners—will analyze challenges such as maintaining impartiality in a politicized era, addressing inequities in access to justice, and leveraging technology to improve transparency.

Moderated by: Alexandra Neves, Ph.D., WNMU, Associate Dean/Associate Professor of TESOL/Bilingual

Panelists:

• Edna Reyes, JD, Domestic Relations Hearing Officer
• Michael Cook, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Political Science
• Spenser Baca, JD, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
• David Gorman, JD, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice