During Graduation Season, Attorney General Bonta and Superintendent Thurmond Issue Updated Guidance on Graduates’ Rights to Wear Tribal Regalia

The guidance reminds schools of amended obligations that prohibit a preapproval process and extend students' rights to wear traditional Tribal regalia

OAKLAND - California Attorney General Rob Bonta and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today sent a letter to state school superintendents, charter school administrators, and high school principals reminding them of students' rights to wear Tribal regalia and adornments at graduation ceremonies. As amended, California Education Code Section 35183.1 allows students to wear traditional Tribal regalia or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance as an adornment at school graduation ceremonies or related school events. It also mandates that a local educational agency shall not require a preapproval process nor require a student to wear a cap if that cap is incompatible with the adornment. In the letter, Attorney General Bonta and Superintendent Thurmond remind school administrators of the rights named in Section 35183.1 while also encouraging schools to implement policies that embrace culturally inclusive ceremonies and preserve the rights of Native students.

"Students study and persevere for years to arrive at graduation day - a day that should be celebrated, not restricted. These momentous occasions provide an opportunity to recognize personal achievements, but also to honor the generational support and enduring ancestral legacy behind each student's journey," said Attorney General Bonta. "This year, as many students walk across the commencement stage, they'll use their regalia to carry their family heritage with them. I urge all educators to embrace these actions and uphold policies that preserve the rights of Native students and promote inclusivity - California law requires it."

"High school graduation marks a major milestone for our students and for their whole families," said Superintendent Thurmond. "Our Tribal students deserve the opportunity to honor their culture and heritage as they celebrate this important achievement, and they are allowed to do so by law."

Background:

In 2025, Attorney General Bonta and State Superintendent Thurmond issued guidance on graduates' rights to wear Tribal regalia as prescribed by Assembly Bill (AB) 1248 (Gloria, 2018), which enacted Section 35183.1. Since then, AB 1369 (Ramos, 2025) amended the specifics of Section 35183.1 to further protect Native American students' ability to wear Tribal regalia, or other cultural or religious adornments, and to address specific issues that had arisen regarding compliance with the law. Specifically, the amendments extend a student's authorization to wear an adornment to school events that are related to graduation and clarify that what constitutes recognized objects of religious or cultural significance is to be determined by the student and the student's family. The amendments also prohibit a local educational agency from requiring a preapproval process for a student to exercise their right to wear an adornment and to not wear a cap if the cap is incompatible with the adornment. The definition of adornment has also been revised to mean something attached to, worn with, or worn in place of the cap.

The letter details the specifics of Section 35183.1 and describes how the law was amended by AB 1369. It reminds school administrators of students' rights to wear Tribal regalia and adornments at graduation ceremonies and emphasizes that only limited circumstances can justify restricting this right. Attorney General Bonta and State Superintendent Thurmond encourage school districts and administrators to engage with local Tribal leaders and American Indian communities on this issue to ensure that graduation day can be a momentous occasion celebrated by all.

The Attorney General's Office of Native American Affairs (ONAA) facilitates and promotes collaboration between Tribal, state, federal and local justice agencies. For more information and resources, please visit oag.ca.gov/nativeamerican.