1969 Shake-Up at Chilocco Indian School: Investigation and Replacement of Top Officials, 1969-04-04

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has ordered the immediate replacement of the Superintendent and Principal of the Chilocco Indian School in Oklahoma following allegations of brutality and mistreatment of students. Assistant Secretary Harrison Loesch has directed a thorough investigation into the conditions at the school, with concerns raised about students being handcuffed for long periods and subjected to physical punishment. The school is run by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and accommodates around 1,000 Indian boarding pupils. The Superintendent and Principal are being reassigned temporarily while the investigation takes place. Dr. Leon Wall, the Superintendent, has admitted that some students are handcuffed for disciplinary reasons but denies reports of brutality at the institution. The investigation was triggered by a report from a BIA inspection team and there are plans to improve the quality of education and living environment at the school.