Affirmative Action Overview

On January 21, 2025, President Trump issued Executive Order 14173: Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, which formally revoked Executive Order 11246, the foundational executive order from 1965 that imposed affirmative action obligations on federal contractors.  This revocation of EO 11246 (1965), coupled with explicit guidance from the Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs (OFCCP), created a specific and actionable requirement that UNM adjust aspects of our employment policies that originate from EO 11246 (1965).

UNM’s obligations under the Vietnam Era Veterans Readjustment Assistance Act (for veterans) and Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act (for individuals with disabilities) remain intact, and UNM continues its commitment to affirmative action principles and practices (such as the Veterans Preference Program) for these individuals.

In addition, the Equal Opportunity provisions contained in UAP 2720 remain unchanged and will still be considered in recruitment, hiring, promotion, and benefits. Additionally, every provision of anti-discrimination law related to protected statuses including race, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, veteran status, disability, national origin, ancestry, etc. enshrined by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the New Mexico Human Rights Act, still exist in UAP 2720. As a result, UNM is still obligated to ensure compliance with applicable anti-discrimination laws as they relate to hiring, promotions, opportunities, benefits, and pay.

UNM remains committed to achieving an excellent workforce that reflects the rich and varied cultures of the peoples of New Mexico and beyond. UNM continues to prioritize the recruitment of the best qualified candidates, matching the qualifications of the candidates to the needs and expectations of the hiring units, and ensuring fair, equitable, and unbiased treatment of all candidates in the recruitment and hiring process, in keeping with the University’s commitment and obligation to equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination principles.

UNM is committed to a diverse workforce and student body, broadly defined to include varied socioeconomic backgrounds, cultures, language fluency, first generation college students, veterans, and those living in New Mexico. Inclusive excellence is essential to fulfill UNM’s edutain, research, and public service missions. In support of this commitment, UNM shall adopt administrative policies that adhere to applicable federal and/or state affirmative action requirements.

All documents and information related to EO 11246 will be marked as historical documents on this website.

Guidance for Hiring Officials

Abbreviated Ad

The University of New Mexico's (Department Name) will be (or anticipates) hiring or requests applications for (position title). For complete information (regarding salary, position qualifications, duties and responsibilities and conditions of employment-Tier II only), you may access Faculty Postings, or request a copy of the announcement from the search chair. EEO Statement.

Moderately Abbreviated Ad

The University of New Mexico's (Department Name) will be (or anticipates) hiring or requests applications for (position title). Minimum requirements include: (Show all MRs). For complete information (add HR language of a Tier II), you may access Faculty Postings, or request a copy of the announcement from the search chair. EEO Statement.

Complete Ad

Include:

  • Department Name and Position Title
  • Minimum Requirements
  • Desirable Qualifications
  • Job Duties
  • Application Procedure
  • Descriptive Language about New Mexico/Albuquerque (optional)
  • CEEO Language