A bill that would require schools to allow Native students to wear tribal regalia during graduation ceremonies passed unanimously in the state Senate Wednesday.
Senate Bill 429, would prevent public and charter schools from banning students from wearing their tribal regalia during graduation or other school functions.
That includes things like eagle feathers in their caps, beadwork or moccasins.
Cindy Nguyen is the policy director at ACLU Oklahoma, one of the organizations advocating for this bill to be passed.
"We have heard school boards say that, well, if we do this for Indigenous students, we would have to do it for all students," Nguyen said. "And we say we don't see a problem with that."
Similar measures were introduced in 2021, but ultimately failed. The Senate voted unanimously to approve the bill. Now, the measure heads to the House.
The Oklahoma Legislature must pass SB 429.
— ACLU of Oklahoma (@ACLUOK) March 17, 2023
Indigenous cultures are important. Indigenous stories are important.
Indigenous students deserve the right to celebrate their heritage through tribal regalia. #okleg pic.twitter.com/cd4uKSMHpu
