On Sunday night, the women’s basketball coach of Haskell Indian Nations University celebrated a league championship by cutting down the net from the hoop, even though he had been fired just 16 days prior as part of an executive order that led to significant staff layoffs at the university. Officially, Adam Strom was serving as a volunteer at the time of the championship held in Lawrence, Kansas, a city historically significant to basketball.
The budget cuts affected approximately a quarter of the workforce at Haskell, raising concerns among students and faculty about the university's future. The student government president reported that three of her five instructors were dismissed, and there were worries about the dining hall's ability to serve meals. Students expressed apprehension about whether the institution would remain operational long enough for them to graduate.
The situation was further complicated by ongoing discussions regarding potential policy changes within the federal education system for Native Americans, which serves around 45,000 students across various schools. This system has been criticized for chronic underfunding, leading to poor educational outcomes, including low graduation rates and proficiency levels in standardized tests.
Haskell has faced ongoing challenges, with a recent report describing it as “severely dysfunctional.” Concerns regarding the management of the university and the treatment of students have been raised, alongside a proposed new governance structure that remains under consideration in Congress.
Despite the difficulties, many students voiced that Haskell represents one of the few spaces where their culture is respected and honored. The university has an enrollment of 918 students from 153 tribal nations, who emphasized the importance of community and cultural identity in their education.
In the wake of layoffs, some students felt a profound sense of loss and anger. The board of regents has appealed to federal officials for the reinstatement of ousted employees, arguing that their roles were essential to fulfilling treaty obligations. Protests were held by students outside the Kansas Capitol in response to the cuts.
Strom, despite his recent termination, chose to continue coaching the team voluntarily. His decision reflects both a dedication to the students and a desire to maintain a connection with the university's basketball legacy, even as he searches for other coaching opportunities.
As students prepare for graduation and contemplate their futures amid uncertainty, there is a shared sentiment that this period may be significant enough to be recorded in history, as students continue to advocate for their rights and the integrity of their education.