SENATE BILL REPORT
EHB 1393
As Passed Senate, April 11, 2025
Title: An act relating to providing public school students with opportunities for cultural expression at commencement ceremonies.
Brief Description: Providing public school students with opportunities for cultural expression at commencement ceremonies.
Sponsors: Representatives McEntire, Morgan, Stonier, Simmons, Thai, Bergquist, Taylor, Springer, Wylie, Pollet, Ormsby, Hill and Santos.
Brief History: Passed House: 3/4/25, 88-7.
Committee Activity: Early Learning & K-12 Education: 3/13/25, 3/20/25 [DP, w/oRec].
Floor Activity: Passed Senate: 4/11/25, 47-1.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Requires school districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools to permit students to wear an item or object of cultural significance with or attached to their gown at high school commencements and other official graduation ceremonies and events.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON EARLY LEARNING & K-12 EDUCATION
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Wellman, Chair; Wilson, C., Vice Chair, Early Learning; Harris, Ranking Member; Hansen and Krishnadasan.
Minority Report: That it be referred without recommendation.
Signed by Senators Dozier and McCune.
Staff: Elena Becker (786-7493)
Background:

Under state law, school districts and public schools may not prohibit students who are members of a federally recognized tribe from wearing traditional tribal regalia or objects of Native American cultural significance along with or attached to a gown at graduation ceremonies or related school events. School districts and public schools may not require such students to wear a cap if it is incompatible with the regalia or significant objects.
Summary of Bill:

School districts, charter schools, and state-tribal education compact schools must permit students to wear an item or object of cultural significance with or attached to their gown at high school commencements and other official graduation ceremonies and events. This may include multiple items or objects if they are traditionally worn or used together.

 

Items or objects of cultural significance must be befitting of the ceremony or event and adhere to the school’s decorum requirements. Schools may prohibit items or objects likely to substantially disrupt or materially interfere with a ceremony or event.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony:

PRO: This bill originated with sad situation when a young woman was prevented from wearing a sash honoring her South American heritage at her commencement. This should change for future students, including this woman's younger siblings. 

 

It's important to respect decorum and freedom of expression. This bill does both.
Persons Testifying: PRO: Representative Joel McEntire, Prime Sponsor.
Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.