Dear County and District Superintendents, Charter School Administrators, and School Principals:

Reminder of Graduates’ Rights to Wear Tribal Regalia (Reflecting 2026 Amendments to California Education Code Section 35183.1)

As we approach graduation season, we want to express our appreciation for your continued commitment to supporting students, families, and school communities. Graduation is a joyful moment that honors students’ achievements and celebrates the richness of their diverse identities. Many students choose to express their cultural pride and honor their heritage by wearing traditional clothing or culturally significant items, and state law supports their right to do so.

California Education Code Section 35183.1 ensures that students may wear “traditional tribal regalia or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance, as determined by the pupil and the pupil’s family, as an adornment at school graduation ceremonies or related school events.” The law also prohibits local educational agencies (LEAs) from requiring a pre-approval process for these adornments or requiring a student to wear a graduation cap if the cap is incompatible with the adornment. LEAs may prohibit adornment only if it is likely to cause a substantial disruption of or material interference with the ceremony.

The amended law defines “adornment” as something attached to, worn with, or worn in place of the graduation cap or something attached to or worn with the graduation gown. “Cultural” refers to recognized practices and traditions of a particular group of people, and “LEA” includes school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools.

Graduation marks an important milestone in our students’ lives and represents years of dedication, growth, and achievement. Ensuring that students can honor their cultural traditions during this celebration is essential to fostering inclusive and respectful school communities. We encourage LEAs to review local policies for alignment with the updated law, communicate clearly with students and families about these rights, strengthen partnerships with Tribal Nations and American Indian communities, and explore opportunities for students to honor their heritage.

The California Department of Education and the Attorney General sincerely appreciate your commitment to creating supportive and culturally affirming environments for students and for ensuring that graduation ceremonies reflect the rich diversity within our student population. Please extend our congratulations to this year’s graduates, and our gratitude goes to you and your staff for all that you do.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction
California Department of Education

Rob Bonta
Attorney General
California Department of Justice