Reminding Schools that Indigenous Students Have a Right to Wear Tribal Regalia at Graduation

LINCOLN, Neb. – The American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska is working to remind schools that Indigenous students have a right to wear tribal regalia at their upcoming high school graduation ceremonies.

Today, the civil rights organization sent a letter to Nebraska public school districts’ superintendents, explaining how the U.S. Constitution and Nebraska Constitution protect students’ right to wear tribal regalia such as beaded mortarboards and eagle feathers.

The letter also covers recent changes to state law, which will take effect this summer and reinforce those protections.

ACLU of Nebraska Policy Counsel Joy Kathurima made this statement on the letter:

“Graduation is one of those major rites of passage,” Kathurima said. “As families gather to celebrate their students, it is so important that schools respect students who choose to honor their culture and heritage by wearing some form of traditional tribal regalia. Ultimately, what we are asking school administrators to do is to be thoughtful about ceremony dress codes and to make sure they clearly state that Indigenous students are able to wear these culturally and religiously significant items.”

In recent years, Nebraska state senators have passed two bills containing further protections for Indigenous students who choose to wear tribal regalia. One change protects Indigenous students’ right to wear tribal regalia on school grounds or at any school function. This takes effect July 1, 2025 and applies to K-12 and college students. The other change requires local school districts to adopt dress code and grooming policies by July 1, 2025 that will further support students’ right to wear tribal regalia.