We Have Great News!
Haskell Indian Nations University has announced it will rehire the faculty members who were recently laid off due to federal budget cuts.
This is a huge victory for Native students – providing the security they need to finish out the semester – and it’s proof of what’s possible when we stand together.
In recent weeks, as faculty were laid off and students faced losing access to essential courses, Native communities and allies have been speaking out loudly. Students rallied. Educators and advocates wrote letters, called elected officials, and shared their stories. The response was powerful – and it’s working.
But while the return of professors is an important win, we also need to be clear: the broader fight to protect Native students and Tribal Colleges is far from over. Non-teaching faculty at Haskell and SIPI are still furloughed, and we need to keep our voices loud to ensure they get to return as well.
What’s happening at Haskell is just one example of what Native institutions and students are facing right now. Across the country, Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) are experiencing severe funding threats and staff reductions, directly tied to federal policies that would dismantle critical education infrastructure – including potential cuts to Pell Grants, Title III funding, and programs that support Native language preservation, teacher training, and student wellness.
As Haskell President Frank Arpan told ICT News, this rehiring is a major step forward, but it does not erase the uncertainty or long-term harm that these funding disruptions have caused. Many Native students are still facing delayed graduations, canceled courses, and the loss of vital mentorship and community support.
What Happens Now?
We keep going.
We keep speaking out.
We keep showing up for Native students.
Here’s how you can help:
Stay informed – We’ll continue to share breaking news, updates, and calls to action here.
Contact your representatives – SIPI and Haskell still have furloughed staff, and programs are still being cut left and right. Tell Congress that cutting education programs for Native students is unacceptable. Your voice helped bring Haskell’s teachers back – let’s keep the pressure on.
Thank You for Showing Up
From all of us at the American Indian College Fund: thank you for raising your voice and standing in solidarity with Native students. This is what allyship looks like.
As we celebrate this moment of hope, let’s also commit to the long road ahead – every Native student deserves a future where their education is secure, respected, and fully supported.
