The National Native Scholarship Providers (NNSP) has issued a statement. They believe that schools should be a place where students can learn and grow while staying true to their identities. Unfortunately, many Indigenous students face discrimination when they choose to wear traditional regalia at graduation ceremonies. (Photo credit: Adam Cole / Shutterstock.com)
The NNSP is comprised of four national Native scholarship providers: the American Indian College Fund (the College Fund), the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES), the Cobell Scholarship Program administered by Indigenous Education, Inc., and Native Forward Scholars Fund.
Recently, a bill that would have allowed Native students to wear tribal regalia at public school graduations and other ceremonies was vetoed. The reasoning was that the bill might open the door for other groups to demand special favors. However, the bill’s intention was to clarify Indigenous students’ rights and protect their First Amendment right to wear regalia at public institutions.
The NNSP, as founding organizational members, have seen numerous incidents where school administrators have denied Indigenous students the opportunity to wear their regalia at graduation ceremonies, which should be a joyous occasion for them and their communities. Some states, like Colorado, are considering similar bills to guarantee students’ right to wear regalia at graduation ceremonies.
The American Indian College Fund has created an annual guide to help students request permission to wear tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies and achieve positive outcomes. Click here to read the full statement./p>
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