Native American regalia bill introduced by Texas Rep. Rafael Anchĺa and Texas Sen. Royce West

News Release

Fossil Free Media

Texas Sen. Royce West and Texas Rep. Rafael Anchĺa have introduced a new bill that would allow Native American students to wear objects of cultural significance, including ceremonial eagle feathers, to graduation and other important school events.

The Bills, HB 4006 & SB 1857, aim to recognize the importance of Native American cultural traditions and provide students with the opportunity to express their cultural identity during important milestones in their lives.

“Every student deserves the opportunity to celebrate their cultural and religious heritage, and that includes Native American students,” said Rep. Anchĺa. “Allowing them to wear cultural items at graduation is a small but important step in recognizing the contributions and unique perspectives of Native American communities in our state.”

Kayla Price, a recent high-school senior who was almost denied the right to walk for graduation last Spring, weighed in on this important issue: “Denying Native American students the right to display their important cultural items during graduation is a disregard for their constitutional right to religious freedom and a violation of their cultural identity. As a recent high school senior and enrolled member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine Sioux tribal nation who was almost denied the right to walk for graduation due to the eagle feather on my graduation cap, I felt marginalized and disrespected for honoring my traditional spirituality. It is crucial that we acknowledge and honor the diverse cultural backgrounds of our students, allowing them to celebrate their traditions and enrich our society with their unique perspectives.”

Under the Act, schools would be required to adopt policies that ensure Native American students will be permitted to wear cultural items, such as eagle feathers and beaded regalia, during graduation ceremonies and other important school events.

The bill has received support from Native American advocacy groups. “We are pleased to see Rep. Anchĺa and Sen. West taking steps to recognize and honor the cultural traditions of Native American students,” said Jennifer Falcon, an Indigenous organizer said.

The bill will now be considered by the Texas legislature, and Rep. Anchia and Sen. West are optimistic that it will receive broad support from their colleagues.