U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS) seeks “immediate and decisive action” from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) regarding allegations of wrongdoing at Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kan.
“I am calling for a systemic overhaul within the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), and I expect a thorough response from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) that outlines how to better enhance accountability and improve outcomes for Native American students,” Sen. Moran said in an April 26 statement.
Reiterating that stance, Sen. Moran demanded action from U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in an April 24 letter, which outlines problems at Haskell, the nation’s sole Tribal Nations college that provides Native American students the opportunity to receive a tuition-free higher education in an environment that understands and prioritizes Native American heritage and culture.
“The Department of Interior must compel meaningful improvements to Haskell’s operations to ensure the success of tribal students and preserve this unique and highly valued educational institution,” wrote Sen. Moran.
The lawmaker pointed to allegations leveled against employees of Haskell that were brought to his attention in April 2022, and then again in March 2023.
In April, Sen. Moran received the report, entitled “Haskell Indian Nations University – Administrative Investigation Report, January 13, 2023” after it was subjected to a FOIA request by a third-party government watchdog nonprofit organization, according to his letter.
In the report, the BIA Administrative Investigation Board found that, among other things, Haskell had failed to implement a sufficient sexual assault policy and had not correctly or consistently applied current sexual assault policies and procedures. The report also said that corrective action, such as discipline and reassignment of certain Haskell executives, would be necessary in response to the investigation and that more Haskell employee training was required.
“This report and the mismanagement it describes has reaffirmed my long-held belief that there is a need to improve transparency and accountability within the Bureau of Indian Affairs,” said Sen. Moran in his statement. “The students, faculty, and staff at Haskell University deserve an institution that properly follows its policies and procedures to ensure the well-being of all individuals connected to the university.”
The report also noted that Haskell students were subjected to intimidation by members of Haskell’s leadership team, among other findings.
“By failing to respond to the findings of this report in a timely and appropriate fashion, federal employees at the Department of Interior — specifically the BIA and BIE — have failed to uphold the federal government’s responsibilities to Native American students,” wrote Sen. Moran.
He called on Haaland to answer several questions by May 8, including when the department became aware of the report’s findings, what steps were taken to implement change at Haskell, and what areas at Haskell remain in need of reform, among others.
“I urge you to prioritize reform within the BIA to enhance accountability, improve bureaucratic delays and improve outcomes for Native American students,” Sen. Moran said. “Significant action within the BIA is not only a matter of justice and fairness, but also a crucial step towards fulfilling the federal government’s obligations to Native Americans.”