3 University of Kansas professors are accused of faking Native American ancestry. But it’s complicated

University of Kansas associate professor Kent Blansett’s contributions to the Native American community aren’t in question. He founded the American Indian Digital History Project, which works to preserve and promote indigenous history using digital media. His biography of Richard Oaks, a leader in the Red Power movement for Native American self-determination, drew critical acclaim. He was recently appointed to the board of directors for Humanities Kansas by Gov. Laura Kelly’s office. What is being questioned, though, is his own claim to a Native American ancestry. Blansett was hired in 2020 thro...