Two public school districts on the Navajo Nation say they aren't subject to tribal court jurisdiction.

The Red Mesa School District and the Cedar Unified School District filed a lawsuit in federal court that seeks to stop the Navajo Nation Labor Commission from handling an employment dispute involving four tribal members. The districts also say the Navajo court system doesn't have the authority to hear the case.

The Navajo Supreme Court on November 21, 2007, ruled that the tribe's labor commission has the power to hear the complaints filed by the fired employees. At issue is whether the school districts complied with the Navajo Preference in Employment Act.

Get the Story:
Schools Have Beef With Navajos (Courthouse News 4/30)

Navajo Supreme Court Decision:
Cedar Unified School District and Red Mesa School District v. Navajo Nation Labor Commission