The state's Department of Workforce Solutions ruled March 12 that there is probable cause to believe two UNM Police officers have been discriminated against because of their sexual orientation.
The ruling comes seven months after Lt. Michael Young and Cmdr. James Daniels filed complaints with the state, saying that they were discriminated against for being heterosexual.
Young and Daniels stated in their complaints that their gay co-workers received preferential treatment.
In the complaints, Young and Daniels state that Chief Kathy Guimond gave special treatment to two gay officers, a lieutenant and a commander.
Lt. Pat Davis, UNMPD spokesman, said Wednesday that no one in department is at liberty to comment.
The University has issued a statement saying that the claims of discrimination are in the earliest stages of the resolution process, but there is "no finding that any discrimination has occurred."
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UNM spokeswoman Karen Wentworth said it's not clear what will happen next.
"What they did was file an allegation," Wentworth said. "The next possible steps are a hearing before the commission or a lawsuit, and it is up to the complainants what they want to do."
Young stated in his complaint that Guimond gave the two gay officers higher evaluation ratings, as well as pay raises.
Young, who has worked at the department since 1996, stated in the complaint that he was demoted after Guimond hired the gay lieutenant in 2005.
Daniels, who has worked at the department since 1994, stated in his complaint that Guimond "consistently reduced (his) authority in favor of" the gay commander, who was hired in 2004.
He also stated in the complaint that he received a smaller raise than the commander.
She said the University has hired an outside consultant to review the department's policies and procedures.
"It is not directly a part of this complaint," she said. "The president wanted to make sure that the department followed regular, normal procedures and are procedures in line with what would be normal police practice."
