The federal government has made a commitment to Indian students and families to provide educational opportunity in a manner that preserves their culture, language, and traditions. However, we are deeply concerned by recent reports of the deplorable conditions of schools maintained by the Bureau of Indian Education, particularly the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig High School in northern Minnesota. This appalling situation not only adversely affects the quality of education these students receive, but also their health and safety. There is no question that many of these schools are not meeting the needs of its students, and as policymakers, we have a responsibility to demand better.
We welcome the request in the President's fiscal year 2016 budget proposal for some resources for the BIE. However, the administration has not put forward a plan to effectively analyze and prioritize the needs of BIE schools. As a result, it is questionable whether this investment proposed by the President will address the range of challenges facing these schools.
To read the full letter to Director Roessel, click here.
