Kansas Lawmakers Propose Self-Governance for Haskell Indian Nations University
TOPEKA, KS — June 24, 2025 Kansas federal lawmakers introduced the "Haskell Indian Nations University Improvement Act," aiming to transfer governance of Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) to an independent Board of Regents. The bill, sponsored by Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Roger Marshall (R-Kan.), Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), and Representatives Tracey Mann (KS-01) and Derek Schmidt (KS-02), seeks to establish HINU as a federally chartered institution while maintaining federal funding.
HINU, located in Lawrence, Kansas, exclusively serves members of federally recognized Native American tribes. The proposed legislation responds to longstanding concerns about BIE oversight, including a 2024 report describing the university as "severely dysfunctional" and lacking proper procedures. Additionally, in February 2025, 40 employees were terminated due to federal workforce reductions, only to be reinstated by court order in March.
The new governance structure would comprise a 16-member board: 15 voting members appointed by the U.S. President, representing each of the 12 BIA regions, with at least one member from a Kansas tribe and one HINU alumnus; the HINU student body president would serve as a non-voting member.
Proponents argue that self-governance would empower HINU to better serve its students and preserve its cultural heritage. However, some community members express concerns that the shift could lead to reduced federal accountability and potential cultural changes.
The bill is currently in its early stages, with lawmakers seeking feedback from Native American communities, HINU stakeholders, and the public to refine the proposal.