Haskell Indian Nations University Board Of Regents Member Brandon Yellowbird Stevens Beat 8-Month Pregnant Woman Yet Remains On HINU BOR [7/23/24 UPDATE: U.S. House Committees Hold Hearing Into U.S. Dept. Of Interior’s Mishandling Of HINU Misconduct; Clay Mayes Reinstated As Cross-Country Head Coach & Fmr. Pres. Ronald Graham Seeks Reinstatement; Interior Sec. Deb Haaland Misses Deadline Then Has Bureau Of Indian Education Director Tony Dearman Send “VAGUE” & “EVASIVE” Response To U.S. Senator Jerry Moran’s Letter Calling For “SYSTEMIC OVERHAUL” Of Bureau Of Indian Education After Bureau Of Indian Affairs Finally Releases Previously Withheld 80-Page Report And Wall Street Journal Reports On Haskell Incompetency & Nepotism; BIA Had Told New Judge It Needed More Time To Search For Records On Students’ Allegations Of SEXUAL ABUSE & Fmr. Pres. Ronald Graham’s Allegations Of CORRUPTION & CRIMINAL MISCONDUCT To Watchdog Group PEER After Claiming There’s “NO EVIDENCE” Interior Sec. Deb Haaland Received HINU X-Country Team Members’ Letter; BIE Also Gave Same Incorrect Documents For HINU Students’ FOIA Requests; After Student Tierra Thomas Said FBI Will Interview Her & Several Students Very Soon, HINU Pres. Frank Arpan Announced New Position & Policies; Students Decry “Cover Up” Of Investigation Into FRAUD, NEPOTISM, BULLYING & INTIMIDATION By Judith Gipp, Al Gipp, Aja McCormick & Tonia Salvini (Who Claimed To Be ‘Acting Pres’), But Judith No Longer Listed As Athletic Director]

Posted on September 6, 2013 by the Editors

08/01/24 UPDATE:

 

  • January 12, 2024 Bureau of Indian Education Status Report re: Freedom of Information Act requests for Haskell Indian Nations University report on claims of sexual assault & crimes, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Case No. 23-CV-2194,  Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility [PEER]  v.  U.S. Bureau of Indian Education [BIE]
  • December 5, 2023 Bureau of Indian Education Status Report re: Freedom of Information Act requests for Haskell Indian Nations University report on claims of sexual assault & crimes, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Case No. 23-CV-2194,  Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility [PEER]  v.  U.S. Bureau of Indian Education [BIE]
  • November 2, 2023 Bureau of Indian Education Status Report re: Freedom of Information Act requests for Haskell Indian Nations University report on claims of sexual assault & crimes, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Case No. 23-CV-2194,  Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility [PEER]  v.  U.S. Bureau of Indian Education [BIE]
  • October 5, 2023 ORDER that by November 2, 2023 the BIE is to file report or dispositive motion to PEER Complaint re: Freedom of Information Act requests for Haskell Indian Nations University report on claims of sexual assault & crimes, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Case No. 23-CV-2194,  Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility [PEER]  v.  U.S. Bureau of Indian Education [BIE]
  • October 3, 2023 BIE Answer to PEER Complaint re: Freedom of Information Act requests for Haskell Indian Nations University report on claims of sexual assault & crimes, U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, Case No. 23-CV-2194,  Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility [PEER]  v.  U.S. Bureau of Indian Education [BIE]

In a letter sent to U.S. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland in January, Haskell Indian Nations University students claim that a lengthy investigation into allegations of misconduct on campus wrapped up months ago but has yet to be made public.

The letter, which the Journal-World has obtained a copy of, claims a Bureau of Indian Education investigation took place at Haskell during a span of more than six months in 2022 and by the beginning of this year had uncovered “extensive evidence” of a number of crimes perpetrated by a group of about 10 employees — fraudulent reports to remove staff, multiple “forms of assault,” sexual abuse committed by students and employees, and the embezzlement and theft of federal property. The BIE oversees Haskell’s operations and is housed under the Department of the Interior.

“The faculty members we have exchanged some thoughts and ideas (with) believe, as do the students, the investigation’s findings are 100% being covered up,” the letter reads. “We have seen systematic abuse, neglect of victims and strong efforts by BIE officials in encouraging Haskell faculty to not discuss Haskell’s investigation.”

Haskell_Indian_Nations_University_color_logoIt’s ‘Back to School’ time and that includes Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence, Kansas.

On the Agenda for the Wednesday September 11, 2013 Oneida Business Committee Regular Meeting is a travel request by Brandon Yellowbird Stevens to attend the Haskell Board of Regents meeting October 9 & 10, 2013.

As you may know, in addition to being the Liaison to Oneida Seven Generations Corporation, Council member Stevens is a member of the Haskell Board of Regents.

As you might be asking yourself, how does a felonious burglar like Brandon Stevens get past the background checks required to be a member of the Haskell Board of Regents?

The defendant Brandon L. Yellowbird Stevens was found guilty of the following charge(s) in this case.

      • Burglary-Building or Dwelling, a class C felony, Wisconsin Statutes 943.10(1)(a).

      • Burglary-Building or Dwelling, a class C felony, Wisconsin Statutes 943.10(1)(a).

      • Burglary-Building or Dwelling, a class C felony, Wisconsin Statutes 943.10(1)(a).

Below are public documents regarding Brown Co. Case No. 99CM1808, State of Wisconsin vs. Brandon Yellowbird Stevens:

The defendant Brandon L Stevens was found guilty of the following charge(s) in this case.

      • Battery, a class A misdemeanor, Wisconsin Statutes 940.19(1).

      • Disorderly Conduct, a class B misdemeanor, Wisconsin Statutes 947.01.

COUNT I: cause bodily harm to another, to-wit: T**** D******, by an act done with intent to cause bodily harm to that person and without the consent of the person so harmed; BATTERY, Misdemeanor[.] Furthermore, this incident…involves a DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSE.

…Brandon L. Stevens is a REPEATER, having been convicted within the past five years of the crime(s): On March 8, 1999, the defendant was convicted of three counts of Burglary, Felonies, in Brown County File No. 98CF568[.]

COUNT II: in a public or private place, engage in violent abusive, indecent, profane, boisterous, unreasonably loud or otherwise disorderly conduct under circumstances in which the conduct tends to cause or provoke a disturbance; DISORDERLY CONDUCT, Misdemeanor[.] Furthermore, this incident…involves a DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OFFENSE.

…Complainant is an Assistant District Attorney with the Brown County District Attorney’s Office and knows of the above offense on information and belief based upon.

1. His review of the details of Officer Dakota House of the Oneida Police Department…; said details indicate that on October 29, 1999 at approximately 2:13 a.m., Officer House was dispatched to St. Mary’s Hospital in Green Bay in reference to a domestic violence complaint. Officer House…met with a female who identified herself as T**** D******. Officer House observed Ms. D****** lying in the hospital bed and that she was pregnant. He later learned that she was approximately eight months pregnant. Officer House observed that she had a redness under her left eye and he asked her what happened. At first she said that nothing happened but then admitted that her boyfriend, Brandon Stevens, and her got into an argument and that he shoved her. She admitted that he was drinking the night of the incident. She indicated that he shoved her. She indicated…that this shoving incident took place [at their residence] on October 28, 1999 at approximately 3:00 p.m. She then became uncooperative and would not give any further information to Officer House.

2. His review of a statement given by Rachel Baird to Officer House on October 29, 1999; in said statement, Ms. Baird indicated that she is a nurse on the maternity ward at St. Mary’s Hospital. She stated that on October 29, 1999, a twenty-two year old woman, later identified as T**** D******, was admitted to the Family Birthing Center from the Emergency Room with complaints of spotting and cramping. Baird stated that D****** is thirty-four weeks pregnant. D****** stated to Baird that there was something she needed to talk to her about. She informed Baird “My boyfriend hit me last night.” D****** then lifted up her short sleeved shirt and showed Ms. Baird bruised arms. Baird notices that D******’s arms were bruised with four to five finger sized bruises on each upper arm including the biceps and triceps. D****** stated that her boyfriend,…Brandon Stevens, grabbed her by the face, hit her head on the driveway, and pointed to the back left side of her head. She also stated her face was red and sore from where he grabbed her and pointed to the left side of her face on her cheekbone. Baird observed medium quarter size reddend areas along with a possible bruise orginating from the corner of her eye and extending under her left eye. Baird asked if he had struck her anyplace else and D****** stated he hit her one or two times in the abdomen. It is noted that D****** is approximately eight months pregnant.

1. Battery [968.075 Domestic Abuse Incident] [939.62(1){a} Habitual Criminality {Prison < = 1 Yr}]

2. Disorderly Conduct [968.075 Domestic Abuse Incident] [939.62(1){a} Habitual Criminality {Prison < = 1 Yr}]

 

On January 14, 2009 the Oneida Business Committee approved the following:

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Oneida Business Committee does hereby officially support the appointment of Councilman Brandon Stevens to the Board of Regents for Haskell Indian Nations University.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY BE RESOLVED, that this resolution be delivered to the next meeting of the Haskell Indian Nations University Board of Regents and that copies be provided to the President of the University, Linda Sue Warner and the Chair of the Board, George Tiger.

Brandon Stevens: Felonious Burglar, Domestic Abuser, Habitual Criminal

HINU attitudes toward perpetrators of domestic violence and sexual abuse and callousness toward their victims is addressed in this CNN.com iReport:

Have the members of the Haskell Board of Regents at Haskell Indian Nations University, a Bureau of Indian Education University in Lawrence, Kansas passed their background checks?

Washington D.C.’s Bureau of Indian Education is so particular about their background checks that it takes approximately six months to complete, compared to other agencies that take around 15 days. We do know that it is a requirement that anyone who works on the Haskell campus complete a check, even volunteers.

…Someone who is a quasi government employee should be required to have one that includes finger prints, especially since the entire board will be at Haskell for graduation ceremonies this weekend.

Based on that it seems Haskell University might actually not perform background checks on their Board of Regents… at all.

Also on the September 11, 2013 OBC Agenda among the items of the Legislative Operating Committee chaired by Melinda Danforth is this:

  • Violence against Women Act (VAWA) tribal pilot project/internal work group, Excerpt from July 24, 2013: Motion by Brandon Stevens to designate Brandon Stevens to establish an internal work group and bring back recommendations to the OBC to the first meeting in September, seconded by Greg Matson. Motion carried unanimously.

How generous of Brandon Stevens to nominate Brandon Stevens!

Given that the State of Wisconsin recognized Brandon as a ‘Habitual Criminal‘ due to him being found guilty of Domestic Abuse & Battery, perhaps it’s time to ask Haskell Indian Nations University why Brandon Stevens is really the type of person they want on their Board of Regents and why they added him in the first place.

Did it have anything to do with his father, Ernie Stevens Jr., being the multi-term Chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) and Haskell’s hopes that Ernie might be able to direct more donations and funding sources their way?

Ernie Stevens Jr, Chairman of NIGA

Ernie Stevens Jr, NIGA Chairman

Ernie Stevens Jr. gave Haskell University’s 2013 Commencement Address during which he said:

“I want to also mention my sons; Brandon YellowBird-Stevens and Ernie Stevens III. These two watched their mom and dad play basketball at Haskell when they were just young boys. Brandon is currently serving his second term on the Oneida Nation Tribal Council, has an MBA and serves on the Haskell Board of Regents. Ernest III works in communications and co-produced the motion picture ‘Crooked Arrows.’“

 

However…

When I arrived on scene I could hear a male speaking or yelling loudly at someone…. As I’m walking up to the residence I looked at the female through the glass storm door and I could see a female that was sitting in a chair hunched over holding her stomach with her arms.  As I got closer to the residence the female looked out of the glass door and at me. I got within 15 feet of the female and I could see the female was upset and crying. The female appears as if she didn’t want to provoke the male any further and was staying submissive in appearance. I could hear the male speaking loudly at her, I heard him say, “This is your fault.” As I was looking at the female she made a gesture with her hand and waved me into the house. I could see the urgency and fear in her eyes and the tears rolling down her face. Officer Dan House and I continued to walk into the residence. Once inside the residence I observed a Native American male, approximately 6 feet tall and 200 lbs, standing and pacing the kitchen over a female that was 5 foot 4 inches and 100 lbs. … I explanied to the male that he was going outside with Officer Dan House and I be speaking with the female without him there.

[She] said her husband Ernest went out with his friends at about 5:30 p.m. last night and didn’t get home until around 5:50 a.m. this morning. [She] said she woke up to the sound of Ernest hitting the front door and yelling. He was calling her a “bitch” and a “c*nt” as he was hitting and kicking the front door. [She] said she walked to the front door and told Ernest to calm down and then she would open the door. Ernest then kicked the front door two times and it swung open. [She] stated she stepped toward the kitchen table and Ernest stepped toward her, he grabbed her by the shoulders with both of his hands and pushed into the dining table. [She] said after a few minutes of screaming at her about not letting him in, Ernest walked back towards the front door, about 8 feet, and picked up a piece of door jam that was about 10 inches long both ends. Ernest then walked back towards her while she was sitting down on a chair in the dining room. Ernest was ranting and raving about her being a “bitch” and said it was over.

[She] said Ernest wasn’t specific about “what was over” but he kept waving the piece of sharp wood about 4-6 inches away from her face. …

[She] said she and Ernest have been married for about 6 years and they have two children together. The children were home and sleeping in the bedroom at the time of the incident. …[She] stated she did not give Ernest permission to do this to her.

I advised Officer House I had enough for charges on Ernest and he would be arrested.

 

 

Ernie Stevens III had this to say about Oneida Eye in August 2013 while he was still in the deferred prosecution agreement in Brown Co. Case No. 13CM1711 regarding a Domestic Violence incident involving the use of a dangerous weapon:

Ernest Lloyd Stevens III – Team Oneida: Rez Patrol

Note that Ernie Stevens III is holding some kind of gun in his Facebook avatar alongside his implied threats of vengeance & violence against the admins and authors of OneidaEye.com while saying that any enrolled members of the Oneida Nation in Wisconsin who are involved with keeping General Tribal Council informed via this website should be disenrolled and banned from the ONWI Reservation for life, “for their own good”.

 

On August 30, 2017 the Oneida Business Committee approved the following:

Maybe Haskell University officials don’t really care who’s on their ‘Rascal Board of Rejects’ or if it’s all just malignant NEPOTISM.

However, students of the school – particularly those who’ve personally suffered domestic violence – might feel otherwise.

For example, consider this article from Haskell’s student newspaper, The Indian Leader:

The article says:

Lawrence, KS –“Native #GirlsLikeItWhenYou Slap Them Around. If They Say Otherwise, They’re Lying…” was what Haskell Student Senate President Joel Hernandez posted on his twitter  October 15, 2012.

Just one week prior, Haskell Indian Nations University hosted a series of workshops and healing seminars to stop Domestic Violence. The goal of the workshops is to build awareness and provide intervention for all women to gain a better understanding that getting hit is not okay in a relationship. Women have a right to say ‘STOP.’ Haskell is also involved in a national initiative to stop domestic violence with the ‘Restoring the Circle: Ending Violence and Abuse on Tribal College and University Campuses’ announced by the Bureau of Indian Education.

In a tearful voice, Haskell student, Gwendolyn Charles, said, “It’s not what I asked for. I didn’t ask to get beat on. It doesn’t have to be that way. It’s not right, who wants to say they want that. Being beat on is treating me with ugliness. I will no longer allow a man to treat me like that again. Anyone who speaks like that has never been raised on the reservation. They haven’t learned the traditional ways. Women are sacred.” Charles was a speaker for the sharing session at the domestic violence workshops.

If the Oneida Business Committee has any shred of decency or ethics (ha ha!), Brandon Stevens will be not only denied his desired role with the VAWA group, he’ll be denied his travel request and the OBC will inform Haskell University they should find another member to take Brandon’s place on the Board of Regents.

More likely, General Tribal Council members will have to exercise the ethical decency of informing Haskell University officials, staff & students instead.

 

SEE ALSO:

 

IN THE NEWS:

HELP WANTED:
•  USAJOBS.GOV – President, Haskell Indian Nations University
Salary: $135,468 – $203,700 per year

  • The Indian Leader / TheIndianLeader.com : Ronald Graham removed from office, Tamarah Pfeiffer new acting president of Haskell Indian Nations University
  • March 2, 2021 Complaint for Civil Rights Violations; U.S. District Court, Kansas, Case No. 21-CV-2113,  Jared Nally & The Indian Leader Association  v.  Ronald J. Graham, Haskell Indian Nations University, Tony L. Dearman & the Bureau of Indian Education
  • Inside Higher Ed / InsideHigherEd.com : Blaming the Messenger – The editor of The Indian Leader student newspaper is facing sanction by Haskell Indian Nations University’s president for reporting considered routine journalistic practice. Free press advocates call it an “egregious” violation of the First Amendment

A federal judge has dismissed the bulk of a Title IX lawsuit against Haskell Indian Nations University, brought by a woman who accused two fellow students of raping her on campus.

Key to the decision: Title IX doesn’t apply to Haskell — a federal school — the same way it does to other universities, the judge ruled.

     

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