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This message is official correspondence from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. For general questions, contact Karen.Conway@k12.wa.us.
Bulletins
This week's bulletins:
- No bulletins issued this week, please see notable interest item below
Of Notable Interest
Dear Colleagues:
As we look forward to this upcoming commencement season, I want to address a topic of great community interest — tribal students wearing traditional regalia and other items of cultural significance during graduation ceremonies and other public events. I want to reaffirm my stance on this matter and encourage all high schools to adopt policies that allow for this form of cultural expression in their ceremonies and other public events.
I am heartened that many schools already recognize the significance of tribal sovereignty and the distinct and unique cultural heritage of Native American students and the appropriateness of these students wearing traditional regalia and items of cultural significance at graduation and other public events. It is important to recognize that since time immemorial, many tribal nations have viewed the wearing of traditional regalia and items of cultural significance, such as eagle feathers, as sacred to cultural traditions. Specifically, the presentation of an eagle feather is a high honor in recognition of a great accomplishment. The honoring of a student with the presentation of an eagle feather is held in high regard to family, community, and tribal leadership. This is a tremendous opportunity for schools to acknowledge this important honor while recognizing the diversity in their community.
In my experience, the wearing of traditional regalia and items of cultural significance would not fall outside of a school’s dress code for commencement and other public events. I call upon school district staff to work to foster inclusive commencement policies. In addition, it is important to work to resolve matters of this nature toward an inclusive end much earlier than commencement day. This request reflects the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s (OSPI) commitment to fostering the vital government-to-government relationships with the 29 tribes whose boundaries fall within Washington state and the many other tribes who are represented in the public school system. Federally recognized tribes in Washington state are sovereign nations and OSPI fully supports policies that recognize tribal students’ ability to honor their unique tribal cultures.
Our state strives to foster inclusivity, respect government-to-government relationships with tribes, and provide a high standard of educational opportunity and equity. Thank you for supporting this effort. If you have any questions, please contact Latifah Phillips, Office of Native Education Director, at latifah.phillips@k12.wa.us. The agency TTY number is 360-664-3631.
The Bulletins & Memos Weekly Update is official correspondence from OSPI to K–12 Superintendents, Principals and Educators in Washington state. If you have questions about your subscription, contact karen.conway@k12.wa.us.
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