SW Arkansas Times

House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman and House Committee on Education and Workforce Chairman Tim Walberg have called for a Government Accountability Office (GAO) investigation into misconduct at Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. Addressing Comptroller General of the United States Gene Dodaro, they requested an official inquiry following reports of alarming conduct at these institutions.

"In recent years, parents, teachers, local communities, and others have raised serious concerns about the failure to protect students attending schools funded or operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), a part of the U.S. Department of the Interior," the lawmakers stated. Allegations include unauthorized medication administration, insufficient anti-bullying measures, and failure to follow protocols for addressing suicidal behavior. Reports have also surfaced about background check failures for staff, volunteers, and board members.

The letter originates from efforts by both committees during the 118th Congress to address misconduct in BIE-operated institutions, with particular focus on Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU). These efforts have brought further distressing reports to light about children being medicated without parental consent and staff negligence leading to ongoing mismanagement and abuse.

The BIE supports 183 schools serving around 41,000 Native American students across 23 states. In these predominantly low-income rural communities, many students attend boarding schools and are heavily reliant on staff for a secure living and learning environment.

Owing to the gravity of the concerns and evidence before them, the committee chairmen urge the GAO to investigate the validity of the accusations.

Read the full letter here.