By Tara Roanhorse | June 30, 2025 | Haskell Indian Nations University
Haskell Indian Nations University, a cornerstone of Indigenous higher education, is facing a potentially devastating threat to its future. The source is a sweeping federal budget proposal informally known as the “Big Beautiful Bill,” which reflects the Trump administration’s current priorities.
If passed, the bill would reduce funding for tribal colleges by nearly 90 percent. It would also allow large numbers of federal employees to be terminated under a controversial plan to reclassify civil service positions.
The U.S. Department of the Interior’s proposed 2026 budget includes a significant cut to postsecondary education funding for tribal institutions. The current funding of $182 million would be reduced to just $22 million. This change would affect all tribal colleges, including Haskell and the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI). The proposed budget threatens essential academic programs, student services, and campus operations.
“Why take direct aim at Haskell, which this bill does—it names Haskell in particular,” said 2025 graduate and former Haskell Brave Tyler Moore. “I’m just angry and frustrated. I want to say to anyone who needs someone to talk to or vent to, I’m here. And I will always fight for Haskell. Onward Haskell!”
Even before the budget reached Congress, Haskell had already experienced major disruption. In February 2025, Executive Order 14210 reinstated Schedule F. This order gives federal agencies the authority to reclassify employees as “at-will,” which means they can be terminated without cause. As a result, between 25 and 30 percent of Haskell’s workforce lost their jobs. Many of those terminated were professors.
Legal action is currently underway. Tribal advocates argue that both the widespread terminations and proposed budget cuts violate treaty obligations. These treaties include the federal government’s responsibility to provide consistent and accessible education to Native peoples.
The lawsuit emphasizes that these decisions were made without consulting tribes. Many argue that this directly contradicts the federal government’s trust responsibility.
Despite the challenges, the Haskell community has responded with resilience. The Haskell Foundation and local donors have helped restore some key positions, including teaching and athletic staff. Student organizations have led rallies, awareness campaigns, and mutual aid efforts to support students affected by the changes.
To protect Haskell from future political interference, Kansas lawmakers introduced a bill in December 2024 to grant the university federal charter status. This would create an independent Board of Regents and allow Haskell to operate with more autonomy, similar to Howard University, while maintaining its federal trust relationship.
This fight is not only about budget numbers. It is about sovereignty, access to education, and honoring commitments made to Native nations.
