WINDOW ROCK, Ariz. —The 25th Navajo Nation Council passed legislation April 21 opposing Executive Order 14191, a federal directive issued by U.S. President Donald Trump promoting the use of federal education funds, especially Bureau of Indian Education funds, for private, charter, and faith-based schools.
Legislation No. 0057-25, sponsored by Delegate Dr. Andy Nez, asserts that the order was enacted without proper tribal consultation and poses serious risks to the sovereignty of the Navajo Nation and the future of BIE-funded schools.
Executive Order 14191, titled “Expanding Educational Freedom and Opportunity for Families,” directs the U.S. Secretary of the Interior to review how federal funds could be used for non-BIE educational options and to submit a plan within 90 days. The Navajo Nation argues that such measures ignore the federal government’s trust and treaty obligations under the Treaties of 1849 and 1868, which promise education for Navajo children within the framework of tribal sovereignty.
“This order undermines the trust responsibility guaranteed in our treaties and poses a threat to community schools that this administration fails to visit,” Nez said. “Our schools are already under-resourced, and many serve as the only educational institution for students; diverting funds will only widen those gaps.”
The legislation outlines concerns about redirecting federal education funds away from BIE schools, most of which serve students in remote areas with no viable alternatives. It also notes that 31 of 66 BIE-funded schools are located in rural and broadband-limited areas of the Navajo Nation, making school choice policies impractical and harmful to Navajo students.
“Our students deserve stability, not policies that risk school closures or reduced services in rural and underserved areas,” Delegate “Vince James said.
The legislation reaffirms the Navajo Nation’s government-to-government relationship with the U.S. and its treaty protections, formally opposes school choice systems that bypass tribal consultation or diminish BIE funding, and requests additional tribal consultation with the U.S. Department of Education and the Bureau of Indian Education. It also authorizes the Navajo Nation President, Vice President, and Speaker to take all necessary steps to advocate for the Nation’s position at the federal level.
Serving as final authority, the 25th Navajo Nation Council passed Legislation 0057-25 under consent agenda with a vote of 18 in favor and none opposed.
