RCW 28A.600.500
Graduation ceremonies—Tribal regalia.
(1) School districts and public schools may not prohibit students who are members of a federally recognized tribe from wearing traditional tribal regalia or objects of Native American cultural significance along with or attached to a gown at graduation ceremonies or related school events. School districts and public schools may not require such students to wear a cap if it is incompatible with the regalia or significant object.
(2) School districts and, when necessary, public schools shall update any relevant policies or procedures in accordance with this section.
(3) For the purposes of this section, "public schools" has the same meaning as in RCW 28A.150.010.
[ 2020 c 35 § 2.]
NOTES:
Intent—2020 c 35: "The legislature recognizes that relationships between sovereign governments are strengthened when decisions of mutual interest are based in a shared respect of cultural values. The legislature recognizes also that school districts, public schools, and institutions of higher education may use dress codes and other requirements to restrict the wearing of tribal regalia and objects of cultural significance at graduation ceremonies.
Although the restrictions may be premised on promoting uniformity, they are not appropriate in the context of government-to-government relationships and do not recognize the distinct and unique cultural heritage of Native Americans.
The legislature, therefore, intends to affirm inherent rights assured through tribal sovereignty and expressly acknowledge that students in public schools and institutions of higher education may wear traditional tribal regalia or objects of cultural significance at graduation ceremonies and related events." [ 2020 c 35 § 1.]
Applicability—2020 c 35: "Sections 2 and 4 of this act apply to the graduating class of 2020 and subsequent graduating classes." [ 2020 c 35 § 3.]
Short title—2020 c 35: "This act may be known and cited as the right to tribal regalia act." [ 2020 c 35 § 5.]
Effective date—2020 c 35: "This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 18, 2020]." [ 2020 c 35 § 6.]
Structure Revised Code of Washington
Title 28A - Common School Provisions
28A.600.006 - Condensed compliance reports—Second-class districts.
28A.600.022 - Suspended or expelled students—Reengagement plan.
28A.600.027 - Student expression in school-sponsored media.
28A.600.030 - Grading policies—Option to consider attendance.
28A.600.035 - Policies on secondary school access and egress.
28A.600.040 - Pupils to comply with rules and regulations.
28A.600.045 - Comprehensive guidance and planning programs for students.
28A.600.050 - State honors awards program established—Purpose.
28A.600.060 - State honors awards program—Areas included.
28A.600.070 - State honors awards program—Rules.
28A.600.080 - State honors awards program—Materials—Recognition by business and industry encouraged.
28A.600.100 - Washington scholars' program—Purpose.
28A.600.110 - Washington scholars' program—Established—Scope.
28A.600.120 - Washington scholars' program—Administration—Cooperation with other agencies.
28A.600.130 - Washington scholars' program—Planning committee—Composition—Duties.
28A.600.160 - Educational pathways.
28A.600.192 - Diagnosed concussions—Annual reports by public schools.
28A.600.207 - Extracurricular activities—Streamlining fee collection.
28A.600.210 - School locker searches—Findings.
28A.600.220 - School locker searches—No expectation of privacy.
28A.600.230 - School locker searches—Authorization—Limitations.
28A.600.240 - School locker searches—Notice and reasonable suspicion requirements.
28A.600.280 - Dual credit programs—Annual report.
28A.600.285 - Dual credit programs—Impact on financial aid eligibility—Guidelines.
28A.600.287 - College in the high school program.
28A.600.290 - College in the high school program—Funding.
28A.600.300 - Running start program—Definition.
28A.600.320 - Running start program—Information on enrollment.
28A.600.330 - Running start program—Maximum terms of enrollment for high school credit.
28A.600.340 - Running start program—Enrolled students not displaced.
28A.600.350 - Running start program—Enrollment for secondary and postsecondary credit.
28A.600.370 - Running start program—Postsecondary credit.
28A.600.380 - Running start program—School district not responsible for transportation.
28A.600.390 - Running start program—Rules.
28A.600.400 - Running start program—Existing agreements not affected.
28A.600.410 - Alternatives to suspension—Encouraged.
28A.600.420 - Firearms on school premises, transportation, or facilities—Penalty—Exemptions.
28A.600.455 - Gang activity—Suspension or expulsion.
28A.600.477 - Prohibition of harassment, intimidation, and bullying.
28A.600.480 - Reporting of harassment, intimidation, or bullying—Retaliation prohibited—Immunity.