April 23, 2026

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.

This letter is to ensure school districts are aware of new legislation, Assembly Bill 1369. This bill amended Section 35183.1 of the California Education Code and took effect on January 1, 2026. (Stats. 2025, ch. 133, §1.)

As amended, Section 35183.1 allows students to 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” (emphasis added). Additionally, Section 35183.1 has been amended to provide that local educational agencies (LEAs) shall not require either “(1) a preapproval process for a pupil” to exercise their right to wear an adornment; or “(2) a pupil to wear a cap if the cap is incompatible with the adornment.” (Ed. Code, §35183.1, subd. (b).)

Section 35183.1 also revised the definition of “adornment,” which is now defined as “[s]omething attached to, worn with, or worn in place of, the cap customarily worn at school graduation ceremonies” or “[s]omething attached to or worn with, but not replacing, the gown customarily worn at school graduation ceremonies.” (Ed. Code, §35183.1, subd. (d)(1)(A)-(B).) “Cultural” is defined as the “recognized practices and traditions of a certain group of people.” (Id., subd. (d)(2).) Per Section 35183.1, an LEA retains discretion and authority to prohibit such an item only if the item “is likely to cause a substantial disruption of, or material interference with, the ceremony.” (Ed. Code, §35183.1, subd. (c).) It is important to be mindful of these amendments to the law given that some of the changes, such as the prohibition of preapproval processes, may require a change to school policies and procedures that were in place as recently as last graduation season.

Graduation marks an important milestone in our students’ lives, representing 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 Native American communities, and explore opportunities for students to honor their heritage. As part of that process, we recommend engaging with your local tribal leaders and Native American communities to better understand their traditions and values. Meeting with these communities and stakeholders allows for meaningful dialogue and opportunities for collaboration that enable our schools to demonstrate respect for cultural diversity.

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 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