photo by: Shawn Valverde

Haskell Indian Nations University is pictured on Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024.

Haskell Indian Nations University leaders will be hosting feedback sessions regarding proposed legislation that could transform the governance structure of the school.

Haskell’s Board of Regents will host three webinars that will present more information to tribal leaders, Haskell alumni and others about proposed legislation from U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran and U.S. Rep. Tracey Mann, both Kansas Republicans, that would let the university govern itself.

The draft legislation, introduced in December, would strip control of Haskell from the Bureau of Indian Education and give it to Haskell, which would still receive federal funding. Haskell Regents have previously discussed options for gaining more autonomy, as the Journal-World reported, but this is the furthest the process has gotten.

Brittany Hall, the president of the Haskell Board of Regents, said in a news release that this was an opportunity for the community to learn more about the proposed legislation and provide thoughtful comments “on how Haskell can best serve the next generation of Native students.”

“Ongoing challenges at Haskell have limited the University’s full potential,” Hall said in the release. “We want to ensure that any proposed changes are thoroughly reviewed so that the University remains an effective institution for future generations.”

The webinars will be hosted by the Haskell Regents, and staff from Moran’s and Mann’s offices will be attending to gather insights from the Haskell community and other stakeholders. The webinars, all at noon Central Standard Time, will take place on Jan. 31, Feb. 7 and Feb. 14. Although they are open to anyone, the Jan. 31 meeting is more geared for tribal leaders, and the Feb. 7 meeting is more geared for Haskell alumni.

If you are interested in receiving a link for any of the meetings, contact Brittany Hall at bhall@haskellalumni.com.

Participants are encouraged to review the bill and its summary, available through Moran’s office. A feedback submission form can be obtained by emailing Feedback@moran.senate.gov before Feb. 15.

In addition to those webinars, Lawrence community leaders are hosting an informational meeting about the Moran-Mann draft legislation on Jan. 24. That meeting will take place at 5 p.m. at the Flory Building at the Douglas County Fairgrounds, 2120 Harper St.