Bill > HR4085

This bill establishes Haskell Indian Nations University as a federally chartered educational institution independent from the Bureau of Indian Education, with the primary goal of fulfilling the federal government's treaty and trust responsibilities to Native American communities. The bill transforms Haskell, a historic institution originally established in 1884 as an Indian training school, into a self-governing university with a 15-member Board of Trustees appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate, predominantly composed of enrolled members of Native American tribes. The university will continue to provide tuition-free higher education primarily to Native American students, representing approximately 140 tribes, and will be located in Lawrence, Kansas. Key provisions include creating an independent governance structure, establishing an endowment program with an initial $5 million federal contribution and potential matching private funds, ensuring preference for Native American employees and students, maintaining tax-exempt status, and authorizing annual appropriations of at least $27 million. The bill aims to improve the university's educational quality, financial management, and institutional stability by giving it more autonomy while maintaining federal support and commitment to Native American educational opportunities.