Bill to honor inclusivity at graduation ceremonies moves through Utah Legislature

File photo shows graduate Nomanie Tsosie walking across stage to receive her diploma from Grand County High School, Moab, Utah, May 26, 2016 | Photo by Jeff Richards, St. George News / Cedar City News

ST. GEORGE — Utah students hoping to wear religious or cultural attire during graduation ceremonies may be in luck, as a bill intended to promote inclusivity is making its way through the Legislature.

Dayne Hudson, a member of the Paiute Indian Tribe of Utah, holds his eagle feather fan before the Canyon View High School graduation in Cedar City, Utah, May 25, 2022 | Associated Press photo by Rick Bowmer, St. George News

The student graduation attire modifications bill, officially designated as SB 103 and sponsored by Sen. Karen Kwan, will grant students the opportunity to wear “items of religious or cultural significance” alongside the traditional cap and gown. 

After the vote in the Senate, the bill proceeded in its course with 25 in favor and no opposing votes. Four senators were absent.

The bill has gained support from diverse groups of individuals, including people who are Tongan, Polynesian, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, Samoan, Mexican and Iraqi Muslim American cultures.

During both the House and Senate education committee meetings, Charlene Lui spoke alongside Kwan in favor of the bill.

Jakey Siolo talks in the Senate Education Committee hearing with support for the student graduation attire bill in Salt Lake City, Utah, Feb. 14, 2023 | Photo courtesy of Utah Legislature, St. George News

“To be able to wear and to bear our cultural objects of great significance — it is an honor,” Lui said. “Not just for us here as we participate, but to think of everybody living in those remote islands or other places, it is such a tribute and an honor.”

Support also was shown by Sen. Michael McKell and Sen. Kathleen Riebe who both made comments during the Senate readings.

“For me, it’s a no brainer. …  It just seems natural to me,” Riebe said.

The public comment given during these sessions focused on how the bill could provide inclusivity for all cultures during high school graduation ceremonies.

Mohammad Al-Saedy, a student at the University of Utah, told his story of being a first-generation Iraqi Muslim American during the House Education Committee meeting.

He and his twin sister were the first in their family to graduate from an American high school.

“I don’t want any other student in the state of Utah to have to protest and consider not walking at all in graduation,” Al-Saedy said. “I ask you to say, ‘Yes,’ to this bill so we can see … whoever is wanting to show their culture at one of the most important times in their life with a cap on their heads and a piece of home as well.”

This bill has received a favorable recommendation from the House Education Committee with a vote of 10 in favor, none in opposition and six absent from the vote.

The bill is currently awaiting its third reading in the House of Representatives for its final vote.


Check out all of St. George News’ coverage of the 2023 Utah Legislature here.

Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2023, all rights reserved.

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