A New Look at Graduation Ceremonies: California Expands Student Rights to Wear Tribal, Cultural and Religious Adornments

03.17.2026

Effective January 1, 2026, Assembly Bill (“AB”) 1369 amended Education Code section 35183.1 broadening when and how students may wear cultural, religious, or tribal adornments during graduation-related activities. AB 1369 builds on existing law allowing students to wear traditional tribal regalia or recognized objects of religious or cultural significance at graduation ceremonies.

As amended, Education Code section 35183.1 applies to graduation ceremonies and other school events related to graduation. This expansion allows students to wear qualifying adornments during a broader range of graduation-related activities. An item now qualifies as traditional tribal regalia or a recognized object of religious or cultural significance when determined by the student and the student’s family, rather than by school officials.

AB 1369 also expands the statutory definition of “adornment.” The law now provides that an adornment is something attached to, worn with, or worn in place of the cap customarily worn at graduation. An adornment may also be something attached to or worn with the gown, though the gown itself may not be replaced. In addition, a school may not require a student to wear a graduation cap if the cap is incompatible with the adornment.

Under the law, local educational agencies may no longer require a preapproval process for students who wish to wear these tribal, cultural, or religious adornments. However, while the law expands student rights in this area, it does not remove a school’s authority to prohibit items that are likely to cause a substantial disruption of, or material interference with, the graduation ceremony or related event.

With the changes introduced by AB 1369, local educational agencies should review existing graduation policies and practices to ensure they align with the updated statute and reflect the expanded scope of student rights at graduation-related events.

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