WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran and U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann today announced a discussion draft of legislation that would federally charter Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence and transfer governance from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) to the Haskell Board of Regents, while maintaining federal funding for the university.
“As the sole Tribal Nations University in the country, Haskell University once provided Native American students the opportunity to receive a high-quality, tuition-free education in an environment that understood and prioritized indigenous heritage and culture,” Moran said in a news release. “However, for the last few years the university has been neglected and mismanaged by the Bureau of Indian Education. The bureau has failed to protect students, respond to my congressional inquiries or meet the basic infrastructure needs of the school. It is clear that the best path forward is for the university to be led by an independent Board of Regents nominated by the Tribal community and no longer fettered to the Bureau of Indian Education.
“Haskell Indian Nations University is a one-of-a-kind, historic institution that was established to meet the educational needs of students of any federally recognized tribe,” Mann, who represents Kansas’ 1st congressional district, added. “Haskell should be a crown jewel for both Native Americans and Kansas, but for far too long has been failed by the federal government.”
The two Republicans’ proposal is supported by the Haskell Board of Regents, according to the release.
“Over the years, Haskell has encountered barriers to progress and innovation that stem from the structural and operational constraints within federal agencies,” said Brittany Hall, President of the Haskell Board of Regents. “These challenges, while not unique to Haskell, underscore the critical need for a more tailored governance model empowered by a U.S. Congressional charter — one that enables the University to thrive while better serving its students and communities.”
Joseph Rupnick, Chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, was also quoted as endorsing the measure.
Haskell University is the only four-year, postsecondary institution under the governance of the Department of Interior. Moran and Mann charged that the department has failed to respond to Congressional inquiries and address concerns raised by the Tribal community—including delays and redactions in a report on a sexual harassment investigation. Additionally, Haskell University’s infrastructure is outdated, non-ADA compliant and contains obsolete technology. Haskell University faces high dropout rates and a shortage of resources for essential programs.
Moran and Mann said they are seeking feedback from the Native American, Lawrence and higher education communities on the proposed legislation. Email feedback@moran.senate.gov for a feedback response form. Forms should be submitted no later than Feb. 1, 2025.
The news release cited this timeline of events at Haskell University:
- In 2022, seriousallegations were raised against employees regarding improper treatment of students and the wrongful termination of an employee’s contract.
- In January of 2023, Sen. Moran sent a letterto the Director of Indian Education to voice his concerns with the allegations leveled at Haskell University and requested the BIE address issues at the university.
- On March 2, 2023, Sen. Moran received a response from the Department of the Interior detailing changes BIE would make at the university.
- After receiving the response letter, Sen. Moran’s office continued to receive outreach from students and staff at the university indicating that BIE had not effectively addressed issues at Haskell University.
- In October of 2023, Sen. Moran’s staff met with BIE Director Tony Dearman and was informed that the Bureau of Indian Affairs Administrative Investigation Board initiated an investigation in July of 2022 and concluded that investigation in January of 2023.
- On April 16, 2024, a report, titled, “Haskell Indian Nations University – Administrative Investigation Report, January 13, 2023” was released after it was subjected to a FOIA request by a third-party government watchdog nonprofit organization, detailing the university’s failure to implement a sufficient sexual assault policy, the wrongful termination of certain employees, and staff and student intimidation by Haskell leadership, among other concerns.
