CSU faces urgent call for repatriation reforms

In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the California State University (CSU) system's compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its state counterpart, Cal NAGPRA. An audit revealed that the CSU system is facing substantial challenges in prioritizing the repatriation of cultural items and ancestral remains, with many campuses lacking essential policies and adequate funding.

The audit highlighted that none of the four CSU campuses visited had comprehensive campus-wide policies for repatriation, instead relying on individual academic departments. Additionally, three of these campuses did not have established procedures for resolving disputes with tribes. Funding shortages were a common theme, with ten out of 21 campuses reporting insufficient resources to meet their NAGPRA obligations. Although many campuses have appointed NAGPRA coordinators, these positions are often part-time, limiting their effectiveness.

The findings indicated that a staggering 94% of CSU's holdings remain unrepatriated, with some campuses unaware of the full extent of their collections. The audit team emphasized the need for the CSU Chancellor's office to enhance support for campus repatriation efforts, recommending the establishment of system-wide policy expectations and oversight committees.

Of the eight recommendations made to the Chancellor's office, two have been fully implemented, while six are in progress. Key recommendations include finalizing a system-wide policy for tribal consultation by July 2025 and monitoring campus inventory completion by December 2024. The audit team plans to continue monitoring CSU's progress over the next five years to ensure compliance and support for repatriation efforts.