Haskell Indian Nations University lays off nearly 30% of staff

TOPEKA, Kan. (WIBW) - Adam Strom moved from Washington State to coach women’s basketball at Haskell Indian Nations University four years ago.

“Just a passion for the game, a passion for the sport and knowing what athletics can do for an individual,” Strom said.

Orion Ennis started his time at the university as a football player in 2013 where he became the head strength and conditioning coach after graduation.

“Men’s and women’s golf, track, cross country volleyball softball, I spent a lot of time with them throughout the years so the bond is very strong,” Ennis said.

That all changed on Valentine’s Day.

“I was being a good husband and just left my wife’s work to provide her with some flowers and coffee,” Strom said. “I received a call from the athletic director.”

“We didn’t have any notice or anything,” Ennis said. “It was just a regular day.”

The university announced that last Friday would be the last day for nearly 30% of its staff, 35 employees.

The move followed a federal order to lay off nearly all probationary workers, including Strom and Ennis.

“I just got my dream job and now I have a kid, I’ve got a 2-year-old, so now it’s like dang now I’ve got to go job hunt or figure out what’s next for me,” Ennis said.

“You know, I didn’t want to show my emotion,” Strom said. “I didn’t want to fall into a path of hate and ill feeling,”

Both say the hurt goes beyond losing a paycheck.

“Here at Haskell, we represent Indian country every time we step out on the floor for competition.”

“Haskell University gave me an opportunity to continue my education at a fair price,” Ennis said. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without Haskell.”

“They might have removed coach from my title but they’re not going to remove me from the sidelines, I’m not going to let that happen,” Strom said.

In a statement, Haskell’s president said they are working to ensure all courses and student services continue as uninterrupted as possible.

A spokesperson for Kansas Sen. Jerry Moran told 13 NEWS they have requested more information on the layoffs and urged the secretary of the interior to make certain the university has an adequate workforce to prevent disruption for the students.