Bill HF0748

Author
Ryan Felt

Essay

American Indian regalia or objects of cultural significance allowed at graduation ceremonies

A school district or charter school must not prohibit an American Indian student from wearing tribal regalia and bringing cultural objects to graduation ceremonies. This bill should be passed as there should be no reason to not let American Indian students represent their culture at an important ceremony like high school graduation.

In the past my family has had problems with this, some of my family not being allowed to attend high school graduation because of the tribal regalia and accessories added to their cap and gown. A simple feather attached to your cap is enough for the school to not allow you to attend graduation. Many American Indian students bead their graduation caps and sometimes wear cultural clothing, beaded/ribboned attire and have been denied graduation participance due to their modified cap and gown.

As of 2022, American Indian students here in Minnesota have a graduation rate of only 63%, the lowest in the state. Graduating from high school is something American Indian students should be proud of, representing themselves for their achievement should be allowed state wide.

This bill will protect all American Indian students from having to go through what past American Indian students have had to conform to and will allow them to represent their culture and themselves.