07-03-2025
Haskell rehires faculty lost to federal layoffs
Kevin AbourezkICT
LAWRENCE, Kansas — Student government leaders at Haskell Indian Nations University — beset after losing nearly 25 percent of its faculty and staff as a result of federal layoffs last month — announced Thursday that faculty members who were terminated will be returning to their positions as adjunct instructors.
The federal layoffs of probationary employees affected eight faculty members, who were expected to resume teaching their classes this week, Haskell University Frank Arpan told students in a letter Monday.
'Haskell faculty that were terminated in the probationary layoffs will be returning to the classroom to finish the semester under the adjunct contract,' he said.
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The Haskell Indian Nations University Student Government Association shared the news Thursday on its Facebook page, but noted that other employees affected by the Trump administration layoffs were not included.
''The university acknowledges the difficult circumstances faced by all affected staff and is continuing to explore solutions where possible,' the student government stated.
The Haskell Foundation, which operates separately from the university's federal employment system, will manage the adjunct instructor contracts.
'Haskell recognizes the challenges that come with these changes and remains committed to supporting students, faculty and staff during this transition,' the student government stated. 'We appreciate the patience and resilience of the Haskell community as they navigate these adjustments together.'
The foundation launched a fundraiser following the Friday, Feb. 14, layoffs of 28 faculty and staff members, or nearly a quarter of its employees. As of Thursday, the foundation had raised $140,000.
The layoffs have led to numerous student and campus services being curtailed or closed, including the Student Success Center, which provides academic advising to students.
Arpan told students that the success center would remain closed 'due to personnel adjustments caused by the recent layoffs.'
'All academic advising will now transition to Haskell Faculty,' he said.
Arpan told students that the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation had 'graciously offered to partner with Haskell to provide temporary custodial support.'
Haskell is operated by the Bureau of Indian Education, under the U.S. Department of Interior. It's one of many federal agencies impacted by the Trump administration's decision to lay off hundreds of thousands of probationary employees nationwide, including thousands in Indian Country.
Inside the Coffin Sports Complex on Thursday evening, university administrators honored members of the Haskell women's basketball team, which won the 2025 Continental Athletic Conference Women's Basketball Championship Tournament held Feb. 27-March 2 at Haskell.
'It's really exciting,' said Coach Adam Strom, the team's head coach, who had been laid off but had remained coaching without pay. He was informed Thursday morning that he would be rehired.
His son, Bryan Strom Jr., Quinault Indian Nation, a senior in environmental sciences at Haskell, said he was happy to see his dad get rehired, saying his father had felt 'empty' after losing his job.
He said student morale has also improved since learning that faculty would be rehired.
'I think it's a good thing, a great thing actually for the overall students,' he said. 'I know a lot of people were getting worried and kind of been unmotivated to go to class.
'It's just a blessing.'
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