Why were changes made regarding the use of “Alaska Native” on the website?
Recent federal policy changes have led to scrutiny of DEI language. In an effort to ensure ANSEP’s continued eligibility for federal funding and to protect the opportunities available to all of our students, we made adjustments to certain materials, such as our website, to remove mention of race, a key factor of DEI. We did this at the suggestion of our federal partners who have supported our program for many years and who want to be able to continue to fund the important work we do.
The entire ANSEP team is devastated by these decisions, but we are doing all we can to protect our resources so we can continue to offer financial support and growth opportunities to our students and their families.
Does ANSEP risk losing funding if it does not comply with suggested changes?
ANSEP has lost over $1 million in federal support, and additional funding is at risk. These are dollars that have gone to providing students with scholarships, internships and more.
If the name isn’t changing, why was “Alaska Native” removed from the website?
While our official name remains the Alaska Native Science & Engineering Program, references to “Alaska Native” in some contexts, such as on our website, were adjusted to comply with new federal guidelines. This was done to protect funding so that we can continue providing opportunities for all our students. This does not change our identity or values. Our commitment to our students and to Alaska is unwavering.
If we are united as a community against the mandated changes, why aren’t we taking a stand?
ANSEP’s priority is ensuring that students continue to receive the education, resources and opportunities they deserve. While we acknowledge and share the frustration surrounding these changes, we must also make strategic decisions in the best interest of our students — decisions that allow the program to continue operating and expanding.
Why didn’t anyone tell us these changes were happening?
The situation evolved rapidly, and we had to make difficult decisions quickly to protect ANSEP’s future. Our intention was to continue operating as we always have and that verbiage changes made to comply with federal orders or more recently mandates from the University of Alaska would not create such shockwaves. We understand that our community feels strongly about including our full name in all instances, such as on our website. We took that feedback to heart and have added language back to the website to honor the proud heritage of our program and its students over the last 30 years. There are mandates we have to follow, but we also want to make sure our students, alumni, their families and all our partners take pride in being part of ANSEP.
Does this change impact the program’s mission, values or who we serve?
No, ANSEP’s mission remains unchanged. We will continue to provide educational opportunities and career pathways for Alaska students of all backgrounds. Our core values, including celebrating and honoring Alaska Native culture, remain central to everything we do.
Is ANSEP still committed to supporting Alaska Native students?
ANSEP is still committed to supporting Alaska Native students and students of all backgrounds. ANSEP was founded to support Alaska Native students in STEM fields, and that commitment remains, but the program has recruited and provided opportunities for Alaskans of all backgrounds for decades. It is important, especially where federal funding is concerned, that our program is correctly identified as being open to all students regardless of background or heritage.
Will funding for me or my ANSEP student be affected by these changes?
With recent federal policy changes, ANSEP has already lost over $1 million in funding. But our team is working tirelessly to secure new partnerships and funding, and we have been successful in doing so, even over the last couple of weeks. Unfortunately, there is a large divide to bridge, and we cannot be certain of how funding changes will impact our program and what level we can offer certain services in the future. This just reiterates why it is crucial our easily-searchable, public-facing language (such as our website) comply with these policies. Everything we are doing is for our students – working to ensure ANSEP continues to receive the funding necessary to provide scholarships, internships and career exploration opportunities for all students.
Does this change impact scholarships, internships, or other opportunities available for Indigenous students?
No, ANSEP remains fully committed to providing scholarships, internships and other career opportunities for all students. While federal guidelines have prompted adjustments in language, our support for Alaska Native students and our respect for our Alaska Native culture remains strong.
Will “Alaska Native” be removed from all program materials, events, etc. in the future?
Our program remains rooted in Alaska Native values, and that will continue to be reflected in our materials and events. Adjustments to verbiage primarily apply to online content and federal grant applications, not to the heart of our programming or our events.
Will ANSEP add additional language about its start as a program to affect system change in the hiring of Alaska Natives to the website if the executive order is reversed or challenged legally?
We are closely monitoring developments to these policy changes. If a reversal or legal challenges allow for a return to the previous language, we will evaluate all options to ensure that ANSEP’s identity is fully reflected in all communications.
How will ANSEP ensure Alaska Native culture and identity remain central to its work?
We remain committed to celebrating and incorporating Alaska Native culture into our programming and events. It is forever engrained in the fabric of ANSEP, and it is part of what makes our program so special. We hope that was evident at our recent Celebration. While wording has changed in certain contexts, our curriculum, values and approach to student support remain rooted in Alaska Native traditions.
What message does this change send to prospective Alaska Native students?
We understand that these changes have caused frustration and concern, but we want to reassure all prospective students that we remain dedicated to supporting all students’ academic and career goals – that includes our Indigenous students. Our opportunities, resources and commitment to student success remain strong, and we encourage all students to continue taking advantage of ANSEP’s opportunities.
