Haskell student-athletes write letter to President Trump requesting an in-person meeting
The Haskell Indian Nations University women’s basketball team’s surprising berth in the NAIA national tournament appears to have inspired other student-athletes at the school.
Basketball coach Adam Strom was among the roughly 25% of Haskell employees to have their employment terminated last month under President Donald Trump’s plan to reduce the federal workforce.
But Strom stayed on the job as a volunteer and Haskell won the Continental Athletic Conference tournament championship game on Sunday, earning a spot in the NAIA tournament.
Women’s basketball isn’t the only sport to be affected by the staff reductions. Members of two other teams wrote a letter asking to meet with President Trump and imploring him to reinstate those who have lost their job.
They also hope Sen. Jerry Moran can help get it to the President. Here is the letter that the teams penned.
Dear Mr. President Donald J. Trump:
We, Haskell Indian Nations University’s Cross Country / Track & Field student-athletes, request to meet with you, either at White House OR at here at Haskell in Lawrence, KS as soon as possible.
Our proposed plan: Direct Secretary Burgum to rescind all February 14 terminations that occurred at Haskell Indian Nations University.
Order the School Year to be completed as planned. We humbly request you review the Future of Haskell.
As a result of Administration decisions made on February 14, one in three instructors and staff were terminated at Haskell Indian Nations University. In practical terms, that means, some 520 students, out of 900 are without their instructors — in the middle of the semester. Please help us avoid disruption!
Sincerely,
Haskell Indian Nations University’s Cross Country / Track & Field student-athletes
