Native groups sue BIE over staff cuts at tribal schools

Three Native American tribes and five students have filed a lawsuit. They say the Trump administration failed to keep promises to tribal communities by cutting staff at schools run by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).

Staff cuts lead to problems

The lawsuit is in response to layoffs at two schools. These cuts were part of larger budget cuts at federal agencies. Elon Musk reportedly supported these cuts. The staff reductions caused many problems, including unsafe conditions at the schools. Classes were disrupted, and students didn’t get their financial aid on time. These disruptions have significantly impacted Native students.

Native groups’ Legal action against federal agencies

The lawsuit was filed in Washington, D.C. Lawyers from the Native American Rights Fund represent the tribes. The tribes involved are the Pueblo of Isleta, the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. They argue that they were not consulted before the staff cuts were made.

At the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) in Albuquerque, New Mexico, officials fired or forced nearly a quarter of the staff to resign. This included nine faculty members. The staff cuts caused serious issues. There were power outages that lasted for hours. One student, Kaiya Brown, said a power outage in her dorm lasted 13 hours. These conditions have impacted Native students greatly.

Native groups’ Problems at Haskell University

At Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas, officials let go of more than a quarter of the staff. They eliminated key positions, including the Dean of Students. The university lost its bus driver, leaving students without transportation. Other services, like the student center, shut down. Native students experienced delays in receiving financial aid.

Students also faced other issues. Meals were smaller, and there weren’t enough sanitation supplies. Some classes were taught by people who were not as qualified, after expert professors left.

Temporary rehiring

The BIE has rehired some staff members. But these positions might only be temporary. The BIE has warned staff that future layoffs are possible.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) didn’t comment on the lawsuit. The Department of the Interior also declined to comment.

The BIE’s role

The BIE is responsible for providing education to Native American and Alaska Native students. The BIE manages 183 schools across 23 states. These schools serve around 42,000 students. It is part of the government’s duty to honor treaties with tribes.

The U.S. Government Accountability Office has pointed out that the BIE has staffing shortages. This makes it harder to support and monitor the schools.

Hershel Gorham, lieutenant governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, said the government must talk to Native tribes before making decisions that affect them. He said no one talked to the tribes before making the staff cuts at Haskell and SIPI. Gorham also expressed concern about the lack of action to prevent staff cuts.