By John Q. Hosedrinker As a Lakota graduate, the recent incident where a Lakota graduate’s plume was cut from her cap by the Farmington district is deeply disturbing. Graduation ceremonies are supposed to be joyful celebrations of one’s hard work and achievements, yet this act of disrespect and cruelty marred what should have been a moment of pride and honor for this young woman.
The school administrators’ actions in cutting off the culturally significant plume from the Lakota graduate’s cap signify a lack of respect for diversity and individuality. The excuse given of wanting students to look uniform is not only flimsy but also reeks of a power trip from those in authority. The double standards highlighted by the presence of other Native American students wearing similar regalia without repercussions only serve to underscore the unfairness and discrimination faced by Indigenous students.
The fact that there were Native American leaders, including the former Navajo Nation Vice President and Board of Education President, present at the ceremony who could have intervened but did not is disheartening. It shows a systemic issue within the education system where the cultural heritage and traditions of Indigenous students are not valued or respected.
It is crucial for schools to support and uplift students’ cultural backgrounds, not erase or demean them. The act of cutting off the plume was not only an act of vandalism and theft but also a violation of the student’s rights and identity. Such blatant disregard for cultural significance and individuality should not be tolerated in any educational institution.
The silence from the Farmington district in addressing this issue is deafening. It is essential for accountability to be taken, and for the administrators involved to face the consequences of their actions. Furthermore, the lack of a clear and consistent policy regarding regalia only adds to the confusion and injustice faced by students who wish to express their identity through their attire.
In conclusion, the cutting of the Lakota graduate’s plume from her cap by the Farmington district is a stark reminder of the systemic racism and discrimination that Indigenous students continue to face in educational settings. It is imperative for schools to create a safe and inclusive environment where students can celebrate their heritage without fear of retribution or erasure. The road to reconciliation and respect starts with acknowledging and rectifying such egregious actions. As a Lakota graduate myself, the recent incident where a Lakota graduate’s plume was cut from her cap by the Farmington district has left me deeply disturbed. Graduation ceremonies are meant to be a celebration of hard work and achievement, yet the disrespect shown in this act has tainted what should have been a moment of pride and honor for that young woman.
The actions of the school administrators in severing the culturally significant plume from the Lakota graduate’s cap speak volumes about their disregard for diversity and individuality. The justification given for wanting uniformity among students seems feeble and more about asserting authority than fostering a positive environment for students. The glaring double standards exposed by the presence of other Native American students adorned in similar regalia without repercussions only underscore the unfair treatment and discrimination faced by Indigenous students.
Having Native American leaders, including the former Navajo Nation Vice President and Board of Education President, present at the ceremony who could have intervened but chose not to is disheartening. It points towards a deeper systemic problem within the education system, where the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Indigenous students are not given the respect and value they deserve.
Educational institutions should be pillars of support for students’ diverse cultural backgrounds, not platforms for erasure and disrespect. The act of cutting off the plume was not simply an act of vandalism and theft but a violation of the student’s identity and rights. Such blatant disregard for cultural significance and individuality should have no place in any school setting.
The continued silence from the Farmington district regarding this issue is troubling. It is essential for accountability to be upheld and for those involved to face the consequences of their actions. Additionally, the lack of a transparent and consistent policy concerning regalia only adds to the confusion and injustice faced by students who seek to express their heritage through their attire.
In summary, the incident of cutting the Lakota graduate’s plume from her cap by the Farmington district sheds light on the entrenched racism and discrimination that Indigenous students still confront in educational environments. It is imperative for schools to establish a safe and inclusive space where students can proudly celebrate their heritage without fear of reprisal or erasure. The path to healing and respect commences with acknowledging and rectifying such egregious transgressions.