WASHINTON — Congressman Tim Walberg of Michigan and Congressman Burgess Owens of Utah delivered opening statements Tuesday at a joint congressional hearing focused on improving educational outcomes in Indian Country.
The hearing, held by the Education and Workforce Committee alongside the Natural Resources Committee, addressed persistent management and safety issues within the Bureau of Indian Education and at institutions like Haskell Indian Nations University.
Walberg said the BIE has repeatedly failed to provide a safe learning environment, citing incidents of sexual harassment, bullying, and poor oversight. He called for accountability and lasting reforms.
Congressman Owens echoed those concerns, highlighting leadership failures and the need to address systemic problems, including a lack of policies to protect students.
Both chairmen said they are looking for concrete solutions from federal officials to ensure Native American students receive the safe, high-quality education they deserve.