This victory for Native American high school students and their families
was won on the efforts of many supporters. APS Superintendent Peter
Horoshak and high school principals were adamantly opposed to allowing
Native American students their request to wear native traditional dress.
Numerous individuals and representatives of local Indian organizations and
political bodies this evening addressed the school board. Their testimony
swayed the board to take positive action. Board member Robert Lucero
introduced the motion that led to the change in dress policy.
This change in policy makes me very pleased and proud of those who joined
the fight. I initially brought up this issue at the 1997 school district's
public hearing on Indian Education. It originally came up last year when
a senior from San Felipe Pueblo wanted to wear her traditional dress with
moccasins and leggings. Her school principal told her it wouldn't be
allowed since some of her native outfit would show. The superintendent at
that time in 1996 promised the policy would be studied and high school
principals would make a decision. The principals decided to not allow
native traditional dress, but neglected to confer with Indian parents or
the community. This was why I brought it up at this year's public
hearing. The principals made their decision in a void with no input.
The most voiced argument against native dress at graduation was that
commencement needs to maintain an atmosphere of dignity and respect. Now
finally our students will truly be allowed to show their dignity and
respect in their ethnic heritage and accomplishments as high school
graduates.
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Bernadette Chato ___\ /___ 1025-C Alvarado Dr SE
Radio Producer \ /\ / Albuquerque, NM 87108
E-mail: chato@unm.edu /___ \/ ___\ 505-255-5423
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