WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) today announced a discussion draft of legislation that would federally charter Haskell Indian Nations University 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,” said Sen. Moran. “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. I am grateful for the initial conversations and input from the Haskell Board of Regents, tribal members, and students and the staff at Haskell University. I look forward to receiving additional feedback on this legislation to begin a new chapter in the life of this historic university.”

“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,” said Rep. Mann. “Haskell should be a crown jewel for both Native Americans and Kansas, but for far too long has been failed by the federal government. For years, the U.S. Department of Interior and the Bureau of Indian Education has mismanaged the university, failed to comply with federal oversight, and turned a blind eye to misconduct that has been detrimental to Haskell students. It is obvious that the best way to protect Haskell’s rich heritage and culture is to charter the university and remove its governance from the federal bureaucrats to a Board of Regents nominated by Tribal communities. This new chapter for Haskell is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and it’s imperative that those most directly impacted have a welcome, active voice in helping us enact this change.”

“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.”

“I am thankful that Sen. Moran and Rep. Mann have introduced this legislation to strengthen Haskell as a federally chartered university to further the federal government’s treaty and trust responsibility to Indian people,” said Joseph Rupnick, Chairman of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation. “I look forward to discussions in the new year with Tribal leaders and Haskell alums, faculty and students so that this bill can safeguard Haskell’s future and its funding.”

Haskell University is the only four-year, postsecondary institution under the governance of the Department of Interior. 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.

Sen. Moran and Rep. Mann are seeking feedback from the Native American, Lawrence and higher education communities on the proposed legislation to ensure the bill effectively addresses key issues at Haskell University.

 

Please email feedback@moran.senate.gov for a feedback response form. Forms should be submitted no later than February 1, 2025.

 

Text for the draft legislation can be found here, and a section-by-section summary of the legislation can be found here.

 

Timeline of events at Haskell University: 

• In 2022, serious allegations were raised against employees regarding improper treatment of students and the wrongful termination of an employee’s contract.
• In Dec. 2022, Sen. Moran introduced legislation to give Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) greater input over federal funding discussions that impact them.
• In January of 2023, Sen. Moran sent a letter to 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.
• On April 25, 2024, Sen. Moran wrote a letter to Secretary of the Department of the Interior, Deb Haaland, calling for a systemic overhaul within the BIE. Consistent with the department’s long-time neglect of Haskell University, the secretary delegated a response to an assistant secretary.

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