Native American High School Graduate Sues School District for Forceful Removal of Sacred Eagle Plume at Graduation.
At Black’s 2022 high school graduation, school officials attempted to forcefully remove a sacred eagle plume Black wore on her cap.
The plume, which she received in ceremony when she was three years old, was damaged by the attempt.
“My eagle plume has been part of my cultural and spiritual practices since I was three years old,” Black said in a statement.
‘I wore this plume on graduation day in recognition of my academic achievement and to carry the prayers of my Otoe-Missouria community with me.
The law protects my right to wear this eagle plume at my graduation, and school officials had no authority to forcibly remove it from my cap.”.
“The Broken Arrow School District violated Ms. Black’s rights despite existing laws that should have ensured she was able to wear her eagle plume without incident.”. »