Comment on Haskell in Lawrence deals with flat funding

Haskell in Lawrence deals with flat funding

Yet at this low point in Haskell's history, there is a new sense of hope as the school's board of regents meets this week to discuss possibly taking a bold step that could help escape decades of fiscal starvation. While many small colleges scrape to get by, Haskell is a special case as the only four-year university open solely to members of American Indian tribes and wholly owned by the American taxpayers. Over the past 131 years, the federal government has spent untold millions of dollars to feed, house and educate tens of thousands of young Native Americans, who pay no tuition and minimal student fees in fulfillment of treaty obligations. Only this past summer did Internet access become available in the school's dormitories, thanks to grants that also paid for new dorm room furniture and other upgrades. [...] while the sudden death of Haskell's football team was barely a blip on the American sports scene, Chenault's move reinforced a longstanding belief across Indian Country. Under such a plan, Haskell would continue to receive base financial support from taxpayers, but without the federal red tape that limits its ability to raise other funds to fix its many deficiencies. The cause was bolstered this summer by a report from Haskell's accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission, concluding that federal rules and funding constraints divert time and energy away from the university. Another is asking Congress for legislative fixes that would allow Haskell to operate without some of the federal regulations that make it difficult to hire faculty even when there is money in the budget for it. For them, Haskell, with its low admission standards and free tuition policy, provides their best shot at getting a college education. [...] current and former faculty members are quick to say that no matter their qualifications, Haskell students come filled with enthusiasm, big hearts and a yearning to learn more about

 

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