Tribal Nations and Students Sue Trump Administration Over Education Cuts
A lawsuit filed in federal court in Washington, D.C., accuses the Trump administration of failing to meet its legal obligations to Native American tribes by cutting jobs at schools operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE). The suit, brought by three tribal nations and five Native American students, alleges that the administration violated its trust responsibilities to tribes by reducing staff at two colleges without consulting tribal leaders. The layoffs, which occurred at the Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute (SIPI) in New Mexico and Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas, have left students and staff facing unsafe conditions, canceled classes, and delayed financial aid.
The lawsuit names the heads of the Interior Department, the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), and the Office of Indian Education Programs as defendants. The tribes involved—Pueblo of Isleta, Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, and Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes—argue that the federal government did not consult with them before cutting jobs, a requirement under federal law when actions may harm tribal services. The cuts were part of broader reductions in federal agencies, supported by billionaire Elon Musk, and have had a devastating impact on the two colleges.
Devastating Impact on Students and Staff
At SIPI, nearly one-quarter of the staff, including nine instructors, were fired or forced to resign in February. The layoffs have left the campus in disarray, with security and maintenance staff reductions leading to unsafe conditions. In recent weeks, the campus experienced two power outages that went unresolved due to the lack of personnel. One student, Kaiya Brown, described how her dorm lost power for 13 hours, forcing her to leave her residence to complete her schoolwork. The lawsuit highlights how these disruptions have made it difficult for students to focus on their education.
Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas has also faced significant challenges. More than one-quarter of its staff, including the Dean of Students, instructors, and even the only bus driver, were laid off. The student center has been closed, and many students have reported delays or complete halts in their financial aid disbursement. Students have also noted reduced meal portions, bathrooms without toilet paper, and classes being taught by deans who lack the expertise of the fired professors. While some staff and faculty have been rehired, they were informed that their employment might be temporary and could be terminated again.
The Bureau of Indian Education and Its Role in Tribal Education
The BIE is a federal agency responsible for providing educational opportunities to Native Americans and Alaska Natives across the United States. As part of the U.S. government’s trust responsibilities, the agency is legally and morally obligated to uphold treaties, laws, and congressional acts that protect the rights of tribal nations. The BIE operates 55 schools and funds 128 tribally operated schools, serving approximately 42,000 students on 64 reservations in 23 states.
However, the Bureau has long faced challenges, including significant understaffing that has hindered its ability to monitor and assist schools effectively. The U.S. Government Accountability Office has repeatedly highlighted these issues, which have only worsened under the Trump administration’s cuts. The layoffs at SIPI and Haskell have further exacerbated the problems, leaving students and staff to cope with inadequate resources and unsafe conditions.
Tribal Consultation and Trust Responsibilities
One of the central claims in the lawsuit is that the federal government failed to consult with tribal leaders before making the cuts, violating its trust responsibilities. Tribal leaders argue that meaningful consultation is required before taking any action that could harm tribal services or communities. Hershel Gorham, lieutenant governor of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes, emphasized that the federal government failed to engage in any such dialogue before laying off staff at the BIE schools.
Gorham noted that recent cuts to the Departments of the Interior and Health and Human Services, which also impacted tribal citizens, were later rescinded. This, he suggested, indicates that the secretaries of these departments—Doug Burgum and Robert F. Kennedy Jr.—understand the government’s trust responsibilities. However, the continued cuts at Haskell, SIPI, and other BIE schools suggest that they may not have the autonomy to prevent violations of Native American rights. "It seems like they’re not being given that full autonomy," Gorham said, pointing to the devastating impact of the cuts on tribal education.
A Broader Struggle for Tribal Rights and Accountability
The lawsuit underscores the broader struggle for tribal sovereignty and the federal government’s accountability to Native American communities. By failing to consult with tribal leaders and cutting essential services, the Trump administration has compounded the systemic neglect of tribal education. The BIE’s schools are more than just educational institutions; they are a lifeline for many Native American students, providing access to higher education and preserving cultural heritage.
The plaintiffs are seeking a court order to halt further layoffs and restore funding to the BIE schools. They also want the federal government to fulfill its legal obligation to consult with tribes before making decisions that affect their communities. The case serves as a reminder of the long-standing tension between the U.S. government and Native American tribes, as well as the ongoing fight for justice and equity in tribal education. By highlighting the human impact of these cuts, the lawsuit aims to hold the administration accountable and ensure that tribal voices are heard in decisions that shape their future.
