Rep. Mann, Sen. Moran Request Feedback on Legislation to Charter Haskell Indian Nations University

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (KS-01) and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) are requesting feedback on 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 support for the 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.”

“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.” 

“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 Indian Nations University, located in Lawrence, Kansas, is the only Tribal university in the world with an entirely indigenous population. The university enrolls nearly 1,000 students each semester. For more than 140 years, Haskell has met the educational needs of Indian Country through degrees that honor the cultural legacy and experience of Tribal people, while preparing indigenous students from more than 130 federally recognized tribes to serve their communities. Haskell is the only four-year, postsecondary institution under BIE governance. 

Rep. Mann and Sen. Moran 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. If you wish to submit feedback please email Feedback@moran.senate.gov no later than February 1, 2025, to receive the submission form.

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

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