Graduation Traditions and Cultural Expression

Graduation ceremonies are significant milestones in the lives of students, marking the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. However, the way graduates choose to celebrate and express their cultural identity during these ceremonies can sometimes lead to controversy, as highlighted by a recent incident involving a Northern Arapaho girl in Wyoming. This event has sparked a broader discussion about the importance of allowing Native American graduates to wear their traditional regalia during graduation ceremonies, particularly beneath their gowns.

The Incident: A Call for Cultural Representation

In a poignant moment, a Northern Arapaho girl expressed her desire to wear her regalia, a symbol of her cultural heritage, beneath her graduation gown. Unfortunately, the principal of her Wyoming high school denied this request, stating, “If I let one minority do it, then I have to let the rest.” This statement raises important questions about inclusivity and the recognition of cultural diversity in educational settings.

Graduation regalia often includes caps and gowns, which are standard attire in many school systems. However, for many Indigenous students, the opportunity to wear traditional regalia is not merely a matter of personal preference; it is an essential aspect of their identity and heritage. This incident highlights a significant gap in understanding and appreciation for the cultural expressions that many students wish to showcase during such important life events.

The Importance of Regalia in Indigenous Cultures

For Indigenous peoples, regalia is not simply a costume; it is a representation of cultural history, identity, and community. Each piece of regalia often has deep personal and cultural significance, representing the wearer’s lineage, achievements, and connection to their ancestors. Wearing regalia during graduation is a way for Indigenous students to honor their heritage and share it with their peers and families.

Allowing Native graduates to wear their regalia can also serve as a powerful statement of acceptance and respect within school communities. It acknowledges the cultural diversity present in modern educational institutions and fosters an environment where all students feel valued and recognized for their identities.

Cultural Inclusivity in Schools

The debate surrounding the right to wear traditional regalia during graduation ceremonies underscores the need for schools to adopt more inclusive policies. Educational institutions have a responsibility to create an environment where all students can celebrate their achievements without compromising their cultural identities. This can be achieved through open dialogue between school administrators, students, and families to develop guidelines that respect and honor diverse cultural practices.

Schools can benefit from implementing cultural competency training for staff and administrators to better understand the significance of various cultural practices, including the wearing of regalia. By fostering an environment of understanding and respect, schools can help bridge gaps between different cultural groups and create a more inclusive atmosphere.

The Response from the Community

The response to the principal’s comments has been one of solidarity among Indigenous communities and allies. Many have voiced their support for the Northern Arapaho girl and emphasized the importance of cultural representation in educational settings. Social media platforms have become a space for sharing experiences and advocating for change, allowing individuals to spotlight issues surrounding cultural expression and inclusivity.

Moreover, community leaders and advocates have called for policies that explicitly allow the wearing of traditional regalia during graduation ceremonies. Such policies would not only honor Indigenous students but also set a precedent for inclusivity that could inspire other educational institutions across the country.

The Broader Implications

This incident is not an isolated case; it reflects a larger trend of cultural misunderstanding and resistance to change within educational systems. As society becomes increasingly diverse, it is essential for schools to adapt and embrace this diversity. Allowing Indigenous students to wear their regalia is just one step toward creating a more equitable educational environment.

Encouraging cultural expression in schools can have far-reaching benefits, including fostering a sense of belonging among students, enhancing academic motivation, and promoting a deeper understanding of cultural diversity among all students. It is crucial for educators and administrators to recognize that accommodating cultural practices is not about favoritism; it is about equity and respect.

Conclusion: Advocating for Change

The incident involving the Northern Arapaho girl serves as a powerful reminder of the need for cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in educational settings. It highlights the importance of allowing Native graduates to wear their regalia during graduation ceremonies, not only as a celebration of their achievements but also as a recognition of their rich cultural heritage.

As discussions on this topic continue, it is essential for educators, administrators, and communities to come together to advocate for change. By fostering an environment of inclusivity and cultural respect, schools can help ensure that all students feel proud of their identities and can fully celebrate their accomplishments. This incident is an opportunity for growth and understanding, paving the way for a more inclusive future for all students.

Northern Arapaho girl wanted to wear her regalia beneath her gown to graduation.

The principal of her Wyoming high school told her, “If I let one minority do it, then I have to let the rest.”

Should Native graduates be allowed to wear their regalia, beneath their gowns? pic.twitter.com/ktOhrmnX7M

— Lakota man (@LakotaMan1) May 15, 2025

Northern Arapaho Girl Wanted to Wear Her Regalia Beneath Her Gown to Graduation

Graduation is a significant milestone for students, a moment of pride and celebration. For many, it’s not just about the diploma; it’s about tradition, culture, and identity. Recently, a Northern Arapaho girl wanted to wear her regalia beneath her gown to graduation, a desire rooted deeply in her heritage. However, the principal of her Wyoming high school had a different perspective. He stated, “If I let one minority do it, then I have to let the rest.” This incident raises an important question: should Native graduates be allowed to wear their regalia beneath their gowns?

The Importance of Regalia in Native Culture

Regalia is not just clothing; it’s a profound expression of identity and cultural heritage. For many Native Americans, including the Northern Arapaho, regalia represents a connection to their ancestors, community, and traditions. Wearing it at significant life events, such as graduations, allows individuals to honor their heritage and share it with the wider community. For the Northern Arapaho girl, wearing her regalia beneath her gown was a way of celebrating who she is while participating in a crucial life milestone.

Regalia often features intricate designs, colors, and symbols that tell stories and convey meanings. This is why it’s not merely a costume but a vital part of one’s identity. The significance of wearing such attire is recognized in various cultural ceremonies, and graduation is no exception. The right to express oneself culturally in such settings should be respected and acknowledged.

The Principal’s Perspective

The principal’s response to the Northern Arapaho girl’s request sheds light on a broader issue within educational institutions. His argument suggests a fear of setting a precedent, where allowing one student to wear cultural attire could lead to a flood of similar requests from other minorities. However, this line of reasoning ignores the unique historical and cultural contexts of different groups. The principal’s stance can be seen as an oversimplification of a complex issue regarding cultural expression and inclusion.

Educational institutions are meant to be inclusive spaces that celebrate diversity. While the principal may have intended to uphold a standard for uniformity, it raises the question of whether such standards should be applied uniformly across all groups, particularly when it comes to cultural expression.

Should Native Graduates Be Allowed to Wear Their Regalia Beneath Their Gowns?

So, should Native graduates be allowed to wear their regalia beneath their gowns? The answer leans heavily towards a resounding yes. Allowing students to wear their cultural attire during graduation ceremonies not only honors their heritage but also promotes a broader understanding of diversity and inclusion within the school community.

When schools embrace cultural expression, they create an environment that values and respects the diverse backgrounds of all students. This ultimately contributes to a richer educational experience for everyone involved. Recognizing the importance of regalia during graduation ceremonies can foster a sense of belonging for Native students and promote awareness among their peers about the significance of such traditions.

Moreover, many institutions across the United States have already begun to adopt more inclusive policies regarding graduation attire. For instance, schools in various regions have allowed students to wear cultural garments, such as kimonos or saris, during graduation ceremonies. This trend illustrates a growing recognition of the importance of cultural representation in educational settings.

The Impact of Cultural Representation

Cultural representation is essential in today’s diverse society, and educational institutions play a critical role in shaping students’ understanding of this diversity. When students see their peers proudly wearing their cultural attire, it encourages acceptance and appreciation of different backgrounds. Celebrating diversity in schools can help dismantle stereotypes and foster a sense of unity among students from various ethnicities.

For the Northern Arapaho girl, wearing her regalia would not only signify her personal identity but also serve as a powerful statement to her classmates and the community. It’s a reminder that everyone’s story matters and that cultural backgrounds should be celebrated, not hidden away.

Incorporating cultural attire into graduation ceremonies also provides an opportunity for education about those cultures. It can spark conversations among students and faculty, leading to greater understanding and respect for one another’s traditions.

Challenges and Solutions

While the idea of allowing Native graduates to wear their regalia during graduation seems straightforward, challenges may arise. Some may argue that it could lead to a slippery slope of demands from various groups. However, addressing these concerns requires thoughtful dialogue and a willingness to understand the unique significance of different cultural practices.

One potential solution is for schools to establish clear guidelines that allow for cultural expression while maintaining the integrity of the graduation ceremony. Schools can create policies that invite students from diverse backgrounds to share their traditions in a respectful and inclusive manner. This could involve a designated time during the ceremony where students can showcase their regalia or a similar practice that honors their heritage.

Moreover, schools can engage in outreach and education about the importance of cultural attire in graduation ceremonies. Workshops or presentations highlighting the significance of various cultural practices could help foster a more inclusive environment.

A Call for Inclusivity in Education

The incident involving the Northern Arapaho girl raises important discussions about the role of education in promoting inclusivity and understanding of diverse cultures. As society becomes increasingly multicultural, it is vital for educational institutions to adapt and embrace these changes. Allowing Native graduates to wear their regalia beneath their gowns is just one step toward creating a more inclusive and respectful educational environment.

In the end, the goal is to ensure that every student feels valued and celebrated for who they are. Embracing cultural diversity not only enriches the educational experience but also prepares students to thrive in a global society. It’s crucial for schools to recognize that honoring cultural traditions can coexist with maintaining the dignity of graduation ceremonies.

By allowing students like the Northern Arapaho girl to wear their regalia, schools send a powerful message: that every culture has a place in the tapestry of our shared educational journey. This acknowledgment can create a more harmonious and united community, promoting understanding and respect among all individuals, regardless of their background.