College and high school commencement dress for graduates, the black robe and mortarboard that has flourished in May for decades, originated as a sign of accomplishment and of unity. Graduates had successfully met the institution’s requirements at whatever academic level, had bonded with one another in that accomplishment, and stood apart from those in the audience at that moment.
Shorts and sandals might be under the robe; it was the same exterior that counted.
On the mortarboard there might be a message in block letters. In the 1960s, there were anti-war statements, and scattered “Thx mom and dad” and “need a job.” For the former, administrators may have had similar feelings, and for the latter, they produced a laugh. No harm done.
At last week’s commencement at Farmington High School, however, something much more significant took place. Administrators, likely without much thought, favored the tradition and unity that originated at European institutions rather than appreciated what has emerged in this country for different cultures: linking signs of tribal culture to the significant symbol of accomplishment in an educational environment.
As members of the graduating class gathered to receive their diplomas, a Lakota tribal member had her mortarboard, which was rimmed with beadwork and included a feather, removed by an administrator. She was handed an unadorned replacement. According to the handbook then used by Farmington schools, the appearance of the cap and gown may not be altered.
That limitation should not have been there. In recent years, the awareness of the importance of allowing Indigenous students on this significant day in their lives to wear regalia that reflects their culture has surfaced at institutions in the Southwest, and at others across the country where there are Indigenous students. At Fort Lewis College this is well known. There, a college where more than a hundred pueblos, tribes and Alaskan villages are represented, the visibility of components of Indigenous culture at commencement are commonplace. Navajo velvet and jewelry may not be attached to the robe, but swings across it, and at least few Alaskan village students might wear boots made of sealskin. Different garb worn proudly identifies different tribal membership for those who know. That student diversity is part of what makes an education on the FLC campus so rewarding.
The president of the Navajo Nation and New Mexico’s governor have spoken strongly against what occurred with the Lakota student. Farmington’s school leadership has apologized, and we can imagine the handbook has been changed.
Reporting about what took place looks to have spread across the country. We expect that high schools and colleges are taking a close look at what’s included in their commencement handbooks. That would be the good to come from this very unfortunate administrative action.
