Haskell Indian Nations University has become the latest institution affected by federal workforce reductions, as nearly 40 employees— including instructors, program specialists, and support staff—were laid off Friday.
The cuts, which primarily targeted employees still within their probationary periods, have left many scrambling for answers about their future. Among those affected was cross-country coach Clay Mayes, who previously testified before Congress about issues at Haskell.
A Sudden and Painful Cut
One employee, who had only been with the university since January, shared her shock at the abrupt termination.
“I just started working here, and now I have no idea what I’m going to do,” she said. “We only get paid through today, and our benefits end in a month.”
Employees were given little notice, with supervisors informing them that there was nothing they could do to prevent the layoffs. According to internal documents, the university instructed managers to follow a specific script when notifying staff, confirming that the dismissals were effective immediately.
The Federal Workforce Shrinks
The layoffs at Haskell are part of a broader federal downsizing effort. Earlier this week, Trump signed an executive order directing agencies to begin large-scale reductions in force, particularly among probationary employees who had not yet gained civil service protections.
Haskell, which falls under the Department of the Interior, was required to follow the directive, resulting in the termination of dozens of employees. The move is expected to be just the beginning of deeper cuts across federal agencies.
What Comes Next?
While employees remain in paid status until mid-February and retain benefits for 30 days, many are left with uncertain futures. University officials have not confirmed whether additional layoffs are forthcoming, but fears of further reductions persist.
As the federal workforce undergoes rapid restructuring, institutions like Haskell are bracing for continued challenges. For those who lost their jobs, the road ahead remains unclear.
