Nevada education leaders support AB 397 for Native American student enrollment
June 01, 2025 | 2025 Legislature NV, Nevada
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The Senate Committee on Education convened on June 1, 2025, to discuss Assembly Bill 397, which aims to enhance support for diverse student populations, particularly Native American students. The meeting featured various stakeholders, including representatives from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), the Nevada Faculty Alliance, and tribal communities.
Linares from UNLV opened the discussion by expressing gratitude to Assemblymembers Watts and Torres for their leadership on the bill. He emphasized the importance of supporting Native American students and highlighted ongoing partnerships with Nevada tribes. He noted that UNLV's new president, Chris Heavey, plans to engage with tribal leaders to strengthen commitments to Native American student enrollment.
Kent Irvin from the Nevada Faculty Alliance voiced support for AB 397, advocating for low tuition and fee waivers for deserving groups. He stressed the need for a clear connection between students and Nevada, particularly regarding funding for online courses. Irvin also pointed out that while the bill addresses some funding concerns, a sustainable budget mechanism for fee waivers is essential.
Will Adler, representing the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and Duck Valley Shoshone Paiute communities, acknowledged the importance of the bill and thanked Assemblyman Watts for his efforts. He highlighted the need for balance between limited resources and the demands of higher education.
Michael Flores from the University of Nevada, Reno, praised the university's initiatives to collaborate with tribal communities, noting the establishment of an office for indigenous relations and a tribal summit on campus. He expressed pride in the university's progress under President Sandoval.
Clarissa Coda, Vice President of External Relations at the College of Southern Nevada, also expressed support for AB 397. She mentioned the incoming president, Dr. Klippenstein, who is committed to enhancing support for tribal communities.
The meeting concluded with a strong consensus among participants regarding the importance of AB 397 in fostering educational opportunities for Native American students and improving collaboration between educational institutions and tribal communities. Further discussions and follow-up actions are anticipated as the bill progresses.
Linares from UNLV opened the discussion by expressing gratitude to Assemblymembers Watts and Torres for their leadership on the bill. He emphasized the importance of supporting Native American students and highlighted ongoing partnerships with Nevada tribes. He noted that UNLV's new president, Chris Heavey, plans to engage with tribal leaders to strengthen commitments to Native American student enrollment.
Kent Irvin from the Nevada Faculty Alliance voiced support for AB 397, advocating for low tuition and fee waivers for deserving groups. He stressed the need for a clear connection between students and Nevada, particularly regarding funding for online courses. Irvin also pointed out that while the bill addresses some funding concerns, a sustainable budget mechanism for fee waivers is essential.
Will Adler, representing the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and Duck Valley Shoshone Paiute communities, acknowledged the importance of the bill and thanked Assemblyman Watts for his efforts. He highlighted the need for balance between limited resources and the demands of higher education.
Michael Flores from the University of Nevada, Reno, praised the university's initiatives to collaborate with tribal communities, noting the establishment of an office for indigenous relations and a tribal summit on campus. He expressed pride in the university's progress under President Sandoval.
Clarissa Coda, Vice President of External Relations at the College of Southern Nevada, also expressed support for AB 397. She mentioned the incoming president, Dr. Klippenstein, who is committed to enhancing support for tribal communities.
The meeting concluded with a strong consensus among participants regarding the importance of AB 397 in fostering educational opportunities for Native American students and improving collaboration between educational institutions and tribal communities. Further discussions and follow-up actions are anticipated as the bill progresses.
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