Law provides pathway for Vietnam Veterans to receive high school diplomas

SANTA FE – Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on Friday signed Senate Bill 99, which authorizes public schools to grant diplomas to Vietnam veterans.

Sponsored by Sen. George Muñoz, the law allows local school boards to award a high school diploma to any honorably discharged veteran of the Vietnam War whose entry to service prevented the graduation from a New Mexico high school. The diploma can be awarded regardless of whether the veteran holds a high school equivalency credential or is deceased.

“I am humbled to sign this legislation today as I reflect on the service so many New Mexicans gave their state and country,” said Gov. Lujan Grisham. “This is overdue, this is well-deserved, and frankly it’s the least we can do. We’ve got to honor our veterans every way we can, every single day. And this is one small gesture that might mean a whole lot. On behalf of all New Mexicans, I am grateful to the Legislature for advancing this measure to my desk.”

Senate Bill 99 passed unanimously through both chambers.

With the governor’s signature, local school boards may begin processing and authenticating high school diploma requests from Vietnam veterans on July 1.