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Native communities press SFUSD to remove Washington High mural and adopt policy supporting regalia at graduation
Summary
Members of the Title VII Indian Education Parent Advisory Council presented program priorities and community members urged the district to remove a racially insensitive mural at Washington High School and adopt a supportive policy allowing sacred regalia such as eagle feathers at graduation.
The Title VII Indian Education Parent Advisory Council presented its annual report to the San Francisco Unified School District board on Jan. 23, and multiple public commenters urged action on culturally insensitive artwork and adoption of a district policy supporting Native regalia.
Chante Tenzawi and Paloma Flores presented the Indian Education Program’s priorities, which include cultural competency training for staff, curricular input, fuller staffing for the Indian Education Center and support for cultural events. The presenters noted graduation and dropout figures for American Indian/Alaskan Native students and linked some outcomes to the city’s housing crisis.
During public comment, Michelle Anton urged the board to remove a mural at Washington High School that she described as harmful to students, saying, "We really would like to see that removed. It's very detrimental… to our students walking past that every day." Amy Anderson provided a detailed critique, describing imagery in the mural and calling it "dehumanizing" and "glorifying colonialism." Several elders and community members echoed calls for an inventory of school murals and for curricular changes.
Commissioners asked staff and the student advisory council for status updates. Student delegate Ong said the council will collaborate with representatives at Washington High School to ensure the mural is "dealt with properly" and said the SAC planned to continue following up. Commissioner Sanchez asked staff to report back to the board in a month or two on options and on a supportive policy allowing students to wear sacred feathers and regalia during graduation.
Board members expressed support for increased staffing and cultural-competency training; Commissioner Haney and others supported consideration of a district position on pending state legislation related to regalia. The board did not take immediate formal action on mural removal during the meeting but directed staff and site councils to continue working with community representatives.
The Indian Education presenters invited the board and public to "WISDOM Moving Forward," a cultural event honoring students and elders and scheduled at the Sanchez Auditorium.
