The Arizona Senate has passed a bill that would prohibit public schools from banning Native American students from wearing traditional tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance to their graduation ceremonies. This includes an eagle feather or eagle plume.
The legislation — originally sponsored by former state Rep. Arlando Teller who left the legislature for a job with the Biden administration — will take effect immediately, pending Gov. Doug Ducey’s signature.
“I wish to congratulate all the 2020-21 graduates and hope that they’re all able to wear their Native American outfits and traditional clothes to graduation," said state Sen. Jamescita Peshlakai is one of the bill’s supporters.
In 2019, Valley Vista High School in Surprise banned a student and member of a Sioux tribe from wearing traditional beads on her cap to her graduation ceremony.
