In April 2021, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt vetoed a bill that would have allowed Native American tribes to wear their traditional regalia at public events, including high school graduations. However, the state legislature recently voted to override the governor’s veto, making the bill law.
The bill, known as HB 1472, was introduced by Representative Mickey Dollens and received bipartisan support in both the House and Senate. It aimed to address a longstanding issue faced by Native American students who were not allowed to wear their traditional clothing and accessories at graduation ceremonies.
For many Native Americans, regalia is an important part of their cultural identity and heritage. It includes items such as headdresses, beaded necklaces, and moccasins, which are often passed down from generation to generation. However, some schools had policies that prohibited students from wearing such items, citing concerns about dress codes and uniformity.
The vetoed bill sought to change this by allowing students to wear their regalia at public events, as long as it did not interfere with the event’s safety or decorum. It also required schools to provide reasonable accommodations for students who wanted to wear their regalia.
Governor Stitt vetoed the bill, stating that it could create confusion and inconsistency in dress codes across the state. He also argued that it could lead to safety concerns if students wore large headdresses or other items that obstructed their view or posed a risk of injury.
However, the legislature disagreed with the governor’s reasoning and voted to override his veto. Supporters of the bill argued that it was a matter of respecting Native American culture and traditions, and that it would not cause any harm or disruption at public events.
The override vote was celebrated by many Native American communities in Oklahoma and across the country. It was seen as a victory for cultural diversity and inclusion, and a step towards recognizing the importance of regalia in Native American identity.
In conclusion, the Tribal Regalia Bill vetoed by Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt was recently overridden by the state legislature. The bill allows Native American students to wear their traditional regalia at public events, including high school graduations. While the governor cited concerns about dress codes and safety, supporters of the bill argued that it was a matter of cultural respect and inclusion. The override vote was seen as a victory for Native American communities and a step towards recognizing the importance of regalia in their cultural identity.
