Hearing of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs - Opening Statment of Sen. Tom Udall, Hearing on "Protecting the Next Generation: Safety and Security at BIE Schools"

Hearing

Thank you, Chairman Hoeven, for working with me to hold this oversight hearing today. Recent events have, once again, led to a national dialogue on school safety. It's crucial that schools in Indian Country be part of this important conversation.

Thank you to our two tribal witnesses for joining us today.

Throughout her career, Cecilia Fire Thunder has been and continues to be a great advocate for Native women and Native education. Thank you for making the journey here today.

I want to extend a special welcome to Gary Lujan from the Santa Fe Indian School. Mr. Lujan is a member of the Taos Pueblo who has dedicated years working as a Pueblo education advocate and on behalf of the S-F-I-S community.

Thank you and the SFIS Board of Trustees for working with me and my staff to highlight school safety issues in Indian Country.

In March, students around the nation took part in the "March for Our Lives." These students stood up and demanded "Never Again!" -- and they keep standing up for their right to attend safe, welcoming schools.
I was proud to join the March in Santa Fe with students from across Northern New Mexico, including from SFIS.

I heard many young leaders talk about the need for reform and resources. These brave students made very clear what's needed. So, now, I'm doing my part to carry that message here to Washington. And, to use that message to inform my work.
On this committee, we know all too well that Native students often have to fight for the same educational opportunities that many communities take for granted.

That's why I worked to make sure BIE schools were a part of the STOP School Violence Act passed earlier this year. And why I'm interested in hearing from our witnesses today about what other federal agencies could do to help BIE improve school preparedness.

Mr. Lujan, I understand that some SFIS students may be watching this hearing in their Government and Social Studies classes today -- including your son.

The SFIS student body and the student-led "Braves and Lady Braves Against School Violence" group is taking on very important work.

Let me just say to those students that I am moved by your tenacity and your advocacy. And that I hope today's hearing amplifies your work and that of all Native students -- whether they attend BIE schools or non-BIE schools; and whether they are in K-12 or college.

Thank you again, Mr. Chairman, for working with me to hold this hearing. Hopefully, today's discussion will do even more to elevate the voices of Native communities in the Senate's work to address school violence.

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