OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 4,1998

Stephanie Hanna (O) 202/208-6416 (weekend number) 703/751-8671

INTERIOR SECRETARY TO VISIT ZIA PUEBLO SCHOOL

Secretary to discuss difficulties of conducting 21 Century educational programs in 19th Century building conditions

Secretary of the Interior Bruce Babbitt will travel to the Zia Pueblo on Tuesday, September 8, to look at the antiquated Zia Day School and the efforts of students and teachers to conduct innovative education programs for the 21st Century through use of the Internet.

“Throughout this country, there are Indian schoolchildren trying to learn in buildings that are literally falling down around them,” Babbitt said. “The educational programs and dedicated teachers are preparing these kids with a 21st Century education in 19th Century buildings. These are needs that Congress must address.”

Secretary Babbitt will arrive at the Zia Day School, on the Zia Pueblo about 40 miles northwest of Albuquerque, New Mexico, at 11:30 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8. He will visit classrooms in the Zia Day School and then join students and teachers for a demonstration of their use of Access Native America educational opportunities on the Internet. Following his tour, the Secretary will speak with students, parents and community leaders in the school’s gymnasium.

“The government is responsible for the funding of Indian schools and Congress has consistently turned its back on its responsibilities,” Babbitt said. “For this upcoming school year, the House of Representatives cut the President’s $86.6 million budget request for school construction by more than one-third, and the Senate by almost one-third. This means Indian children being educated in buildings with inadequate heat, lighting, ventilation and other basic health and safety needs. In a prosperous country with a thriving economy these budget cuts are shameful.”

Babbitt noted that the present budget levels in both House and Senate FY ‘99 Appropriations bills would not allow funding for the priority construction of a new Zia Day School. The House of Representatives has passed its FY ‘99 Interior Appropriation, and the Senate is expected to debate its bill on the Senate floor after the Labor Day recess. Both the House and Senate bills have received veto threats from President Clinton in their current form.

Media are invited to tour the Zia Day School with Secretary Babbitt, and he will be available for media questions in the Library following the Internet presentation.

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