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Board advances first readings to allow tribal regalia at graduation under new state law
Summary
The board approved first readings of two policy revisions to ensure students may wear tribal regalia at graduation and that no student will be disciplined for wearing tribally significant items, aligning district policy with House Bill 163.
The Taos Municipal Schools Board held first readings July 23 on proposed policy revisions to permit students to wear tribal regalia at graduation and to prevent discipline for wearing tribally significant items.
Associate Superintendent Reneta Mondragon explained the proposed language is intended to align district policy with recent state statutory change (House Bill 163) that specifically protects students enrolled in a federally recognized Indian Nation, Tribe or Pueblo from being prohibited from wearing tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance at graduation and public school events. The statute defines tribal regalia broadly to include traditional dress, jewelry, beading and feathers.
Mondragon told the board Taos Municipal Schools has already followed this practice and that the policy revisions formalize district practice. The board approved the first reading of the two policies and will consider a second reading and adoption at a future meeting.
No formal action beyond the first readings was taken July 23.
