Native American Graduation Adornments Task Force

Native American Graduation Adornments Legislative Report

This report, prepared by the NAGAT pursuant to Assembly Bill 945 (2021), presents findings and recommendations regarding the implementation of Education Code Section 35183.1, which protects the rights of Native American students to wear traditional tribal regalia and recognized items of cultural or religious significance at graduation ceremonies. The report summarizes data collected through the NAGAT Task Force Survey, identifies ongoing barriers and implementation challenges reported by Native students, families, educators, and tribal communities, and provides recommendations for best practices, policy improvements, and legislative action to support consistent statewide implementation of student rights. This report reflects the findings and recommendations of the Native American Graduation Adornments Task Force and is submitted to the Governor, the Legislature, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office as required by AB 945.

Native American Graduation Adornments Survey

This survey, conducted pursuant to California Education Code (EC) Section 35183.2(c)(1), is designed to gather public feedback from Native American/Alaska Native students and parents about their experiences exercising their protected civil right to wear traditional tribal regalia or recognized items of religious or cultural significance as adornments at graduation ceremonies and, particularly any experiences with any impediments, resistance, or discouragement of such protected civil rights.

Native American Graduation Adornments Survey

Agendas

August 22, 2025, Agenda

The NAGAT, established pursuant to California (EC) Section 35183.1 , is created to Study and Develop Best Practices to Protect Pupil Rights to Wear Traditional Tribal Regalia or Recognized Objects of Religious or Cultural Significance as an Adornment at School Graduation Ceremonies.

The NAGAT will hold at least four public meetings between September 2023 and May 2024, and shall submit a report to the Legislature that includes its findings and policy recommendations to ensure full implementation of EC Section 35183.1. The report shall be submitted to the Legislature in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.