LAWRENCE (KSNT) - A tribal university in northeast Kansas could soon be in new hands with legislation being proposed in Congress. Kansas Republican Senator Jerry Moran and Republican Representative Tracey Mann are putting forward new legislation that would give Haskell Indian Nations University local control and take it out of the hands of federal oversight. The university is currently under the Bureau of Indian Education located in Washington D.C. Moran and Mann's proposal would transfer control to Haskell's Board of Regents while maintaining federal funding. Moran said the university has suffered neglect and mismanagement for years. Kansas has $600 million in unclaimed property. Are you owed any? Employees of the university were accused of misconduct and inappropriate behavior in late 2021 and 2022 which spurred into motion investigations by the Administrative Investigation Board, according to the Department of the Interior (DOI). A report on these investigations was published by the DOI on July 23, 2024. Moran said it has been challenging to work with the federal agency and wants a new path towards a quality education for students. He also wants to avoid turning a blind eye to the plight of students going forward. "I've never seen a circumstance in which a federal agency appears to care less than what goes on for something that is their significant responsibility," Moran said. "Let's just see if we can try to get the Department of Interior out of our lives and see if we can't find the way to manage and operate a university that takes care of its students and provides them meets their educational needs." Found an arrowhead in Kansas? Archaeologist urges you to leave it alone 27 News reached out to Haskell Indian Nations University for comment on the situation. The university's Board of Regents released the following statement: "The Haskell National Board of Regents reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the success, sovereignty, and self-determination of Haskell Indian Nations University. As an institution rooted in serving tribal nations, Haskell has a unique role in fostering the academic, cultural, and leadership potential of Native students. We recognize the dedication of the Bureau of Indian Education in supporting tribal education across diverse and complex systems.  However, over the years, Haskell has encountered barriers to progress. These challenges underscore the critical need for a more tailored governance model empowered by a U.S. Congressional charter -- one that enables the University to thrive while better serving its students and communities. Haskell Board of Regents statement from President Brittany Kathleen Eye drops recalled nationwide due to fungal contamination For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here. Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf