Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham signed a high-profile bill that protects the rights of Native American students to wear traditional regalia during school ceremonies, including graduations.
Lujan Grisham signed the bill, Senate Bill 163, into law on Wednesday.
“This legislation represents our commitment to honoring and respecting the rich cultural heritage of New Mexico’s Native communities,” Lujan Grisham said after signing the bill. “Every student deserves to celebrate their academic achievements in a way that honors their identity and traditions.”
The bill would prevent public schools from banning tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance when they’re worn by students who are members of a federally recognized tribe, nation or pueblo.
Last year, a student at Farmington High School had her graduation cap confiscated by officials because it included an eagle plume and was beaded around the rim. She was a Hunkpapa Lakota from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe; her cap was replaced with a generic graduation cap.
Tri-City Record spoke with the mother of the graduate, Brenda White Bull, after the incident. White Bull shared her disappointment and confusion with the district’s decision to remove the plume and graduation cap.
The significance of the beaded cap and plume was large, according to White Bull, as family had gathered days before the commencement to pray for the plume and place it on her respectfully.
“That’s part of our culture, when we reach a milestone in our life, we as Lakotas decorate, do our beadwork and place our plume on them,” she said.
The incident received widespread attention and condemnation. The school district noted at the time that its protocols said graduation caps and gowns could not be altered.
In response, Navajo Nation president Buu Nygren signed an executive order in protection of tribal regalia worn at graduations on the Navajo Nation, while Grisham also issued a statement disapproving of the actions taken by district staff.
“This is a powerful law protecting the rights of Native students and their families to celebrate their achievements while honoring their culture and identity,” said Indian Affairs Secretary Josett Monette of Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. “We are proud to have worked alongside Governor Lujan Grisham, the Public Education Department, and our legislative sponsors to make this a reality. Students’ milestones deserve to be honored without barriers, ensuring that Native students can wear their regalia is a victory for tradition, identity, and resilience.”
The bill itself flew through the legislature without opposition. The bill passed both the House and Senate on unanimous votes.
Since the bill included an emergency clause, it became effective upon the governor’s signature, which means it will be in effect for this year’s graduations.
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