In the wake of the unexpected announcement of millions in federal grant funding cuts to Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian serving institutions, U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan joined 10 other senators, signing a letter urging the Department of Education to rescind the cuts.

University of Alaska Fairbanks alone is slated to lose $8.8 million in grants awarded through the Strengthening Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian Serving Institutions grant program.

In the letter addressed to U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon, senators stated the funding was authorized and appropriated to programs that enhance the educational experience for all enrolled students and should be allowed to continue.

The i nitial grant termination was for programs “that discriminate by conferring g

See Full Page