The distance learning program at the Southwest Indian Polytechnic Institute in Albuquerque, New Mexico, has been affected by an Internet shutdown at the Department of Interior.

The program's 12 classes are attended by students in New Mexico, New Mexico and Michigan. But since the school's video-conferencing equipment is offline, tapes of the classes are being sent via Federal Express.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is asking for permission to reconnect the schools to the Internet, a top official said on Sunday.

Get the Story:
SIPI Resorts to Snail Mail (The Albuquerque Journal 3/23)

Relevant Documents:
Daschle Letter on Internet Shutdown (March 19, 2004)

Court Decisions:
Memorandum Opinion | Preliminary Injunction

GAO Report:
Departmental Leadership Crucial to Success of Investment Reforms at Interior (September 2003)

Relevant Links:
Indian Trust: Cobell v. Norton - http://www.indiantrust.com
Cobell v. Norton, Department of Justice - http://www.usdoj.gov/civil/cases/cobell/index.htm
Indian Trust, Department of Interior - http://www.doi.gov/indiantrust

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