Sunflower State News

U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and U.S. Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Derek Schmidt (KS-02) have introduced legislation aimed at reforming the governance of Haskell Indian Nations University. The proposed bill would federally charter the university and transfer its governance from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) to a newly established Haskell Board of Regents, while ensuring continued federal funding.

The lawmakers developed the legislation after months of gathering feedback from Native American communities, Lawrence residents, and higher education stakeholders. The goal was to address longstanding concerns at Haskell and improve outcomes for students and staff.

“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,” said Sen. Moran. “Over 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 university. 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 obstructed by the BIE. I am grateful for the input I have received from the Haskell Board of Regents, tribal members and Haskell University students and staff to make certain Haskell, as the sole Tribal Nations University in the country, receives the reforms necessary to best serve the Native American community in Kansas and across the country.”

Senator Marshall stated: “As a one-of-a-kind, historic institution established to meet the educational needs of students of federally recognized tribes, Haskell Indian Nations University should be a crown jewel for both Native Americans and Kansas,” adding that federal mismanagement had harmed students: “For far too long, the U.S. Department of Interior and the Bureau of Indian Education have mismanaged the university, turned a blind eye to misconduct to the detriment of its students and failed to comply with federal oversight. Our legislation offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to protect Haskell’s rich heritage and culture by transferring its governance to a Board of Regents nominated by Tribal communities and removing BIE from its governing structure. I am grateful for the tribal members, Haskell students, staff, and alumni, and the Haskell Board of Regents who weighed in to help us get this bill right. Today begins a new chapter that empowers Haskell to thrive and serve tribal communities in the way it was always meant to serve.”

Rep. Mann emphasized ongoing issues at Haskell: “For over 140 years, Haskell University has provided Native American students with an educational setting rooted in Tribal heritage. However, for too long, the Department of Interior and Bureau of Indian Education have failed Haskell students through chronic mismanagement, lack of oversight, and ignoring instances of serious misconduct,” he said. “To protect and preserve Haskell’s mission and future, governance of the university should shift to an independent Board of Regents nominated by Tribal community.”

Senator Mullin added: "The BIE has failed the students of Haskell University and improvements are long overdue. With Oklahomans leading the way in highest attendance for first-time and first-year students, and as a Cherokee myself, I am proud to join my colleagues on this critical legislation," he said.

Representative Schmidt also voiced support: "Haskell Indian Nations University is a Kansas gem that has yet to reach its full potential,” he said. “By transferring control of university management to those closest it it—through a Board—the legislation would strengthen accountability."

Supporters from within tribal organizations echoed these sentiments.

“For decades, Haskell Indian Nations University has served as a unique institution dedicated to advancing Native students and strengthening Tribal nations,” one statement read. “Yet persistent challenges under federal oversight have limited its potential... This is how we secure Haskell’s legacy... We thank Senator Moran and Congressman Mann who have taken on this effort.”

Another supporter stated: “I am thankful that Sen. Moran and Rep. Mann have introduced this legislation... I look forward to discussions... so that this bill can safeguard Haskell’s future.”

“NIEA’s top priority is always Education Sovereignty... We applaud Senator Moran and Congressman Mann for undertaking this effort in support of Native students across country,” another comment read.

Other organizations expressed similar support: “We support efforts establish [HINU] as federally chartered education institution independent federal agencies... These efforts are important steps toward ensuring success generations come.”

"NCAI supports independence [of] Board Trustees governing [HINU], we feel this legislation aligns broader goals Tribal self-determination," another group noted.

The American Indian Higher Education Consortium commented: “Specifically... reaffirms trust/treaty responsibility post-secondary education; reaffirms high quality culturally relevant education essential survival/strengthening Tribal Nations; provides charter; empowers [Board] with decision-making authority..."

Another statement concluded: "This Act will strengthen [HINU] by establishing federally charted corporation with independent Board Trustees... Thank you Senator Moran/Congressman Mann introducing much needed legislation."

Haskell is currently unique as it is governed directly by Department of Interior rather than through an independent board—a structure critics say has contributed outdated infrastructure issues including non-compliance with ADA standards as well as obsolete technology resources at campus facilities.

In recent years there have been multiple reports highlighting problems at https://www.insidehighered.com/news/government/colleges-universities/2024/04/18/report-finds-harassment-retaliation-hinu-campus such as delayed responses from federal officials regarding sexual harassment investigations; high dropout rates; lack essential program resources; allegations improper treatment employees/students; wrongful terminations; intimidation claims against leadership; outdated infrastructure; among other issues.

Efforts began in December 2022 when Sen. Moran introduced related legislation aimed at increasing tribal input into funding decisions affecting colleges like https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=FDF44E51-EC3A-4C8B-B70D-0D9F52F6EFC1 . He later sent letters requesting action from federal officials following complaints about conditions at https://www.moran.senate.gov/public/index.cfm/news-releases?ID=9CE8DA5C-F06B-4060-AF65-C56A88ABDC29 . A subsequent report released via FOIA request detailed failures regarding sexual assault policy implementation along with other concerns about leadership practices at https://www.npr.org/2024/04/17/hinu-report-sexual-assault-retaliation-bia .

The newly proposed bill aims not only for administrative change but also seeks greater involvement from tribal representatives through nominations for regents who would oversee operations moving forward.