Tribal Regalia at Graduations
On April 20, 2021, Governor Ducey signed HB 2705 relating to the use of tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance at graduation ceremonies.
The following provisions from HB 2705 apply to all school districts and charter schools:
- Prohibits school district governing boards and charter school governing bodies or any public school from preventing the following students from wearing traditional tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance at graduation ceremonies:
- Students who are members of a federally recognized Native American tribe; or
- Students who are eligible to be enrolled as members of a federally recognized Native American tribe.
- Defines “objects of cultural significance” and “traditional tribal regalia” to include an eagle feather or eagle plume.
This legislation was passed and signed with an emergency measure and the above provisions are effective April 20, 2021.
The Arizona Department of Education is grateful for the work of former Representative Arlando Teller and his successor Representative Jasmine Blackwater-Nygren, both of whom helped ensure the passage of HB 2705.
ADE’s Office of Indian Education shared the significance of this bill for our Native American students:
