After tribal backlash, federal agency scales back school choice plan in Indian Country

President Donald Trump’s January executive order to expand school choice to Indian Country was met with widespread criticism from tribal leaders, parents and educators who feared it would harm tribal sovereignty and divert funds from tribally run schools. According to The Hechinger Report, the Bureau of Indian Education’s response plan outlines a more limited proposal than expected.

Instead of vouchers or private school subsidies, the bureau proposes up to $1.3 million for services such as tutoring, college courses and after-school programs. In a letter to tribal leaders, the BIE said the plan was structured to “ensure tribes retain a leading role in determining how educational choices are expanded.” The bureau plans further consultation in July before the plan’s implementation this fall.