SW Arkansas Times

This week, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Chairman Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), House Committee on Education and the Workforce Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-N.C.), and Subcommittee on Higher Education and Workforce Development Chairman Burgess Owens (R-Utah) led a follow-up letter to Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland requesting additional information about reports of widespread misconduct and abuse at Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU). In part, the members wrote:

"The House Committee on Education and the Workforce and the House Committee on Natural Resources (Committees) are conducting ongoing oversight into alleged misconduct involving the Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s (DOI) Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). On July 2, 2024, the Committees jointly sent a letter (Joint Letter) to Director Tony Dearman seeking documents and information related to the BIE report titled Haskell Indian Nations University – Administrative Investigation Report: Allegation of Harassment, Bullying, Nepotism, Theft, Sexual Assault, Workplace Harassment/Intimidation/Bullying, Fraud, Waste and Abuse, and Drinking on Campus at Haskell Indian Nations University, located in Lawrence, Kansas (AIB Report), which was submitted to the BIE Human Resources Officer on November 7, 2022 but is dated January 13, 2023.

"In response to our Joint Letter, DOI invited Majority and Minority staff from both Committees to review—in camera—less-redacted copies of the AIB Report as submitted on November 7, 2022 as finalized on January 13, 2023 and exhibits thereto. Staff from the Committees reviewed the materials DOI provided on August 1 and August 13, 2024. The Committees’ in camera review made clear that the information contained in the documents is material to the investigation. For example, Committee staff observed significant differences between draft and finalized AIB Report including potential deletion of critical details and improper redactions. The review made equally clear that information contained in documents made available could not be fully processed within time logistical technological limitations inherent in an in camera review."

To read the full letter click here.

Background

HINU is the only four-year university operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), with federal support from the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). HINU’s student body comprises students from federally recognized tribes across the nation.

HINU has a well-documented history of mismanagement misconduct retaliation against students employees. In November 2018 Department of Interior Office Inspector General published report highlighting significant allegations official mishandling complaints regarding sexual assault bullying nepotism employee favoritism fraud. Since publication DOI OIG report allegations misconduct dysfunction retaliation have only increased result these issues HINU has been unable retain leadership latest president Frank Arpan university’s eighth president six years.

Haaland emphasized her role first Indigenous female cabinet member impact her position transforming native communities Yet during her tenure malfeasance plagued institution meant pinnacle BIE-operated schools In 2022 BIE investigated misconduct reported by students faculty concluded with Administrative Investigation Report detailed serious widespread abuse Despite repeated requests committee staff were only provided highly redacted portions initial phases investigation After requesting more information staff were invited review less redacted copies report camera posing significant limitations ultimately leading more questions about details Today's letter part continued effort hold Biden-Harris administration responsible routine misconduct