Today, House Committee on Natural Resources Chairman Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.) and House Committee on Education and Workforce Chairman Tim Walberg (R-Mich.) led a letter to Comptroller General of the United States Gene Dodaro, requesting an investigation into reports of misconduct at Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools. In part, the members wrote:

"In recent years, parents, teachers, local communities, and others have raised serious concerns about the failure to protect students attending schools funded or operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), a part of the U.S. Department of the Interior. Press reports have detailed allegations in recent years that some BIE schools dispensed medications to students without their parent's knowledge or permission, did not take sufficient steps to protect students from bullying or violence on school property, and did not follow protocols to respond to suicidal behavior among students. Additionally, there have been reports, including evidence provided to the Committee on Natural Resources staff, that some BIE schools failed to ensure that all staff, volunteers, and board members passed the required background checks. Given these disturbing reports, we ask the GAO to examine these issues."

Read the full letter here. 

Background

During the 118^th Congress, the House Committee on Natural Resources and the House Committee on Education and Workforce investigated numerous claims of misconduct within BIE-operated schools. This investigation has included letters and requests for information to investigate allegations of misconduct and mismanagement at Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU).

Following the investigation last Congress into HINU, the committees received information and press reports of children living at BIE-funded secondary schools being forced to take medications, including psychotropic drugs, without their parents’ knowledge or consent. Furthermore, the committees received allegations that staff at these schools allowed for continued mismanagement and abusive behavior towards the students. 

The BIE-funded school system supports 183 elementary and secondary schools that serve approximately 41,000 Native American students, many of whom are predominantly low-income, in rural communities on or near Indian reservations across 23 states. The school system includes a mix of day schools, boarding schools and peripheral dormitories. Many students who attend BIE-operated boarding schools live on campus throughout the school year and are especially dependent on adult staff to ensure a safe and secure environment in which to live and learn.

In light of the serious concerns and evidence presented to the committees, the chairmen are requesting a formal investigation by the Government Accountability Office to evaluate the validity of the allegations.