Education Trends: Director Of The U.S. Bureau Of Indian Education Violates Hiring Protocols

BIE Charles "Monty" Roessel hiring practices romantic partner navajo indian

By Dianne Francisco , Parent Herald Apr 03, 07:20 pm

The Director of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Education, Charles "Monty" Roessel was fired from his position on March 30 after hiring a romantic partner and helping a relative land a job at the agency. A federal inspector reported his violation of the agency's hiring protocols resulting in his demotion.

Indianz shared stating that Roessel was first hired as the acting director of the bureau back in February of 2013. The Department of the Interior's Office of Inspector General reported Roessel going against federal rules after hiring a woman who is romantically linked to him just a few months after he was promoted.

Aside from that issue, USNEWS said that Roessel also abused his position by getting one of his relatives a job in the said agency. This happened after he suggested a position that would check on three of the schools under the Navajo Nation. Using his influence, his relative got the job even when the position was cancelled, since two of the said schools don't have a salary budget for it.

#NativeNews Bureau of Indian Education racked by another top-level scandal: Director Charles “Monty” Roessel a... https://t.co/FuLxgrmFhI

— ✛Oitancan Mani✛ (@OitancanMani) March 31, 2016

Reports said that the position was still made available despite of the salary issue. In order to come up with the pay for his said relative, Roesell along with his staff then used the grant money from the U.S. Department of Education.

After being scrutinized and questioned by federal inspectors, Roessel was transparent enough to admit that he is scared of being demoted as soon as this issue goes public. To resign was one of his plans, but was adamant that he had nothing to do with the allegations pointed at him. There were lots of inconsistencies found in his statement regarding the hiring of his relative, his romantic partner and other matters involving professionalism in the workplace.

After Roessel's demotion from the job, Ann Marie Bledsoe Downes is now the acting director for BIE. We would like to know what you think about this issue. Send in your comments below.