Trump Administration Cuts Educators at Haskell University, Sparking Outcry

LAWRENCE, Kan. — As Valentine’s Day approached, the Trump administration sent a stark message to Indigenous communities by abruptly terminating the contracts of dozens of educators at Haskell Indian Nations University. An executive order signed on February 11 led to the layoffs, stripping nearly a quarter of the university’s staff without warning.

The consequences of this decision are profound for Native students as it removes essential counseling services at an institution that has long served as a beacon of opportunity for Indigenous youth. The sudden cut affects not only the university’s educational framework but also the support system crucial for student success.

In a contrasting move, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert Kennedy Jr. acted quickly to rescind layoff notices for 1,000 healthcare workers at the Indian Health Service earlier this month. “IHS will be a priority over the next four years,” Kennedy stated, showcasing a commitment to the health of Indian Country. However, Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum has remained notably silent on the distressing layoffs affecting Haskell.

Burgum supervises the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Bureau of Indian Education, which directly oversees Haskell. As a result, he holds the authority to reverse these damaging cuts, similar to the prompt action taken by Kennedy. Yet, his inaction contrasts sharply with the calls for accountability from tribal leaders and educators.

Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, expressed his concerns regarding the layoffs. “I have requested more information from Secretary Burgum on these layoffs and urged the secretary to ensure the university has an adequate workforce to prevent disruptions for students enrolled at Haskell,” Moran wrote in an email to Native News Online.

This situation has alarmed tribal organizations as students face uncertainty and faculty are left to clean out their offices. The narrative surrounding these firings reflects a broader issue of how federal policies have historically failed Indigenous communities, undermining their sovereignty and educational access.

As Haskell faces these cuts, the message sent is clear: the voices and contributions of Native peoples can be disregarded without warning. “It’s hard for Natives to believe that any commitment is fulfilled when institutions like Haskell are gutted on a whim,” said a university representative who wished to remain anonymous. The concern is valid, given the long history of systemic challenges faced by Indigenous communities.

The cuts extend beyond Haskell; similar layoffs have occurred at the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, where 20 staff members of a total of 100 were let go as well. The actions taken by the Trump administration have disproportionately affected Indian Country, raising urgent calls for redress.

Despite the dire situation, there remains an opportunity for Burgum to acknowledge the harm caused by the executive order, rescind the layoffs, and work towards restoring trust with the Haskell community. Failing to act perpetuates the indifference towards Native communities that has persisted for generations.

This moment stands as a decisive one: history will judge whether Burgum chooses to advocate for Native education and justice or maintains silence in the face of adversity. The time for meaningful action to support Indigenous students is now.