February 14, 2025 – Lawrence, Kansas— Today, Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU) experienced significant layoffs, approximately 20-30% of the university’s staff members, as part of a broader implementation of President Donald Trump’s executive order reinstating Schedule F for federal employees. The executive order, which reclassifies certain positions in the federal workforce and makes it easier for agencies to terminate employees, has led to the termination of a number of staff members at HINU. The cuts, which primarily affect probationary employees, have left students without essential teachers, clubs without sponsors, and many employees out of work.
For HINU students, the effects are immediately visible. Several courses are now left without their original instructors, putting students’ educational experience in jeopardy. While some faculty members are being asked to take on additional classes to cover the vacancies, this has put an immense strain on the remaining staff. Teachers are now burdened with larger workloads, and the quality of education is at risk as educators juggle responsibilities beyond their capacity.
The cuts are not limited to the academic side of things. Student clubs, which rely heavily on faculty sponsorship, are now in turmoil. Without the necessary faculty support, many of these student organizations are left without leadership, and the extracurricular opportunities they offer are severely limited.
The situation has caused frustration and uncertainty for the university’s community, particularly the faculty members who have been let go. Many of these teachers were placed on probationary status when they were first hired, a standard practice for civil service positions. However, this probation period, which is intended to allow institutions to evaluate new employees, has now led to the unfortunate loss of jobs for many teachers who may have been performing their duties satisfactorily. With the reinstatement of Schedule F, these teachers no longer have the protection of civil service laws, leaving them vulnerable to quick termination despite their professional abilities.
For many of these staff members, the layoffs were not a reflection of their performance but rather a result of the broader federal policy shift. The executive order, which has drawn widespread criticism for politicizing federal employment, gives agencies like HINU more flexibility to terminate employees without the usual due process protections. Unfortunately, this has left many teachers and staff members in a vulnerable position, with little recourse to challenge the decision.
The ramifications of these layoffs extend beyond just the individuals affected. HINU, an institution that prides itself on its role in educating Native American students, now faces a difficult road ahead in terms of maintaining the quality of education it provides. Without adequate staffing, the university risks diminishing its academic offerings, which could ultimately harm its students’ prospects for success.
Furthermore, the sudden loss of staff members creates a ripple effect that disrupts the university’s sense of community. Professors who have been let go are not just teachers; they are mentors, guides, and key figures in students’ educational and personal development. Their departure leaves a void that will not easily be filled, and it raises questions about the long-term stability of the university under these new federal policies.
As HINU grapples with the fallout from these layoffs, the university’s leadership faces increasing pressure to ensure that students are still receiving the education and support they deserve. With many teachers now stretched thin and others out of a job, the institution will need to find creative solutions to continue delivering on its mission. However, the broader question remains: will these staffing cuts have a lasting impact on the quality and accessibility of education at HINU, and will the federal policies that have led to this crisis be reconsidered before more schools are forced to follow suit?
Another impact of the layoffs is the postponement of the Welcome Back Powwow, an event that has become an essential tradition for HINU students. For many students, this powwow is more than just a social gathering; it’s an important reminder of their identity and the cultural support they need while navigating the challenges of college life.
For now, HINU staff and students must navigate an uncertain future, with the hope that the policies driving these cuts will be reevaluated for the sake of their education and well-being.
This is an evolving situation, and the full extent of the impact is still becoming clear. For the latest updates on how these changes are affecting HINU and its students, stay tuned to the Indian Leader website, where we will continue to report on this developing story.
