Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) today applauded the Senate Indian Affairs Committee for its unanimous approval of the Diné College Act (S. 2564) a bill to reauthorize the Navajo Nation college through 2020. Flake introduced the bill, which modernizes prior legislation related to the college, on Feb. 24 with U.S. Sens. Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), and Tom Udall (D-N.M.).

“With the committee’s approval, we’re one step closer to ensuring that Diné College can continue to offer educational opportunities that work to improve the economic and social conditions of the Navajo Nation and its people,” said Flake.

Background: Diné College was established in 1968 and was the first accredited, tribally-controlled college in the United States. The college, which spans 26,000 square miles of the Navajo Nation and has Arizona campuses in Chinle, Tuba City, Window Rock, and Tsaile, reported an enrollment of more than 1,500 Native American students pursing accredited degrees and certificates in 2015.‎

On April 13, Flake testified in support of the bill before the Indian Affairs Committee. Video of Flake’s remarks can be viewed here. 

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