Tribal regalia protections take effect in Oklahoma

Molly Young, Oklahoman
·1 min read

An Oklahoma law that protects the rights of Native American students to wear tribal regalia at graduation took effect Saturday.

The law goes onto the books after a years-long push by advocates and a final-week vote by lawmakers to override the governor’s veto.

Under the new law, public schools will not be allowed to ban Native American students from wearing eagle feathers, beaded caps, tribal stoles and other forms of regalia at commencement ceremonies.

More: At odds with the governor, Oklahoma tribal leaders are working around him

Students were already allowed by law to freely express their religion. State officials had interpreted those protections to cover tribal regalia, particularly eagle feathers, since they are sacred in many Native cultures.

But on the district level, students and parents said they frequently encountered resistance or confusion from administrators. Supporters believed a standalone law would make the protections clear.

Native American student Madison Black wears a beaded cap June 3 during graduation ceremony from Epic Charter School held at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman. Madison is an enrolled member of the Otoe-Missouria tribe of Oklahoma, and a descendant of Iowa, Cheyenne, Ponca, Osage, Prairie Band Potawatomi tribes.
Native American student Madison Black wears a beaded cap June 3 during graduation ceremony from Epic Charter School held at Lloyd Noble Center in Norman. Madison is an enrolled member of the Otoe-Missouria tribe of Oklahoma, and a descendant of Iowa, Cheyenne, Ponca, Osage, Prairie Band Potawatomi tribes.

Oklahoma tribal regalia bill overcame veto to become law

The proposal failed to gain enough support in 2020 and 2021. But it advanced this spring with overwhelming support in both chambers after the bill was narrowed to cover just graduations. Only one lawmaker voted against the measure, Senate Bill 429.

Still, Gov. Kevin Stitt vetoed the bill, saying that he believed the law would violate a state constitutional provision that limits Oklahoma officials from passing special laws that regulate school districts. He also said he believed decisions on dress codes should be left to district officials.

Lawmakers passed the bill again by a wide margin to defeat the veto. Oklahoma becomes at least the 14th state to pass protections for wearing tribal regalia.

More: Some Oklahoma schools don't let students wear tribal regalia. Lawmakers could end that

Molly Young covers Indigenous affairs. Reach her at mollyyoung@gannett.com or 405-347-3534.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Oklahoma law allowing tribal regalia at graduations takes effect