In a recent investigation, attention has turned to the role of universities in supporting Native American students, particularly in light of their historical ties to land taken from Indigenous tribes. The report highlights that many institutions have profited from land originally belonging to Native Americans, raising questions about their responsibility to provide adequate support for these students.

The University of Arizona, for instance, has been scrutinized for its handling of Native American student enrollment and retention. Alina Sierra, a 19-year-old Tohono O'odham student, shared her struggles with financial burdens and access to resources, which ultimately led her to drop out. Despite receiving a Pell Grant and a state scholarship, she faced numerous barriers, including internet access issues, which contributed to her academic challenges.

Felicia Tagaban Gaskin, a graduate student at the University of Arizona, criticized the university's efforts as largely performative, noting that while there are initiatives like land acknowledgments and events, substantial support for Native students remains lacking. This sentiment echoes findings from a 2019 investigation by High Country News, which revealed that land grant universities, established under the Morrill Act of 1862, have historically benefited from the expropriation of Indigenous lands.

The report indicated that over 10 million acres were taken from nearly 250 tribes, with many universities continuing to generate significant revenue from these lands. For example, the University of Arizona received $7.7 million from land leases in 2022 alone. Amanda Tachine, an educator at Arizona State University, noted a 40% decline in Native student enrollment since the Great Recession, emphasizing the urgent need for universities to provide better support and resources.

Washington State University is also facing similar challenges, with efforts underway to create a more inclusive environment for Native students. Vice Provost Zoe High Eagle Strong highlighted the importance of having Native faculty and staff to foster a sense of belonging for Indigenous students.

Calls for reparations have gained momentum, with recent analyses revealing that universities profiting from land leases for oil and gas extraction owe a debt to the Native communities affected by these historical injustices. The ongoing conversation underscores the need for universities to acknowledge their past and take meaningful steps to support Native American students, who continue to face significant barriers in higher education.