- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
The following is a statement from the Haskell Indian Nations University Faculty Senate, which comprises the faculty of Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas.
To Haskell Indian Nations University’s family, Tribal members, and Allies around Indian Country from Haskell Faculty Senate:
Words are inadequate to express the sense of betrayal and loss Haskell faculty feel regarding the so-called “efficiency” firings across our campus last Friday, February 14, 2025. This executive order sadly represents a continuation of the trail of broken treaties that U.S. history shows us.
For the Native Nations that have entrusted their family members to our care and education, we want you to know we will not abandon your students nor our Mission to serve “as the leading institution of academic excellence, cultural and intellectual prominence, and holistic education that addresses the needs of Indigenous communities.” Neither will we forget our Vision and commitment to “the advancement of sovereignty, self-determination, and the Inherent rights of tribes.” To our incredible students, we say be strong and together we will get through this. We must.
Also, we must express tremendous gratitude to all the members of the Lawrence community who have reached out wanting to help and offer their assistance during this disruptive period. We are deeply appreciative.
Sadly, there is no better evidence of the awkward organizational and administrative system in which Haskell finds itself than our inability to communicate more quickly about how you might help: even volunteerism is complicated in the system in which we find ourselves. To the public, rest assured we will communicate soon ways you may enact your support.
Finally, we must express our desire to see all fired faculty and staff removed in last Friday’s “efficiency” purge returned to their positions immediately. The callous way in which they (you) were terminated was unconscionable. Our gratitude and respect for you, our Haskell family members, is unwavering.
The Haskell Faculty Senate stands in solidarity with students, staff, faculty, alumni, Tribal Nations, and all our friends.
Haskell Faculty Senate
More Stories Like This
Hanging a Red Dress for Christmas: MMIP, Native Higher Education, and Hope for a Better New YearNative Students Can Win $5,000 Scholarship, International Distribution in Pendleton Design Contest
American Indian College Fund Raises Alarm Over Plan to Shift Native Programs Away From the Dept. of Education
MacKenzie Scott Foundation Gives $5 Million Contribution to Little Priest Tribal College
Tribal Leaders Push Back on Dismantling of U.S. Department of Education
Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
