The Native American Rights Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union have asked school officials in North Carolina to allow an Indian student to wear an eagle feather to his graduation.

Corey Bird, 18, who is Lumbee and Sisseton-Wahpeton, was given feathers by his father. He wants to wear them to honor his late mother and late grandfather.

But Purnell Swett High School in Robeson County says students can't wear items on their cap and gown. A superintendent said the policy prevents "disruption."

The principal at the school happens to be Lumbee. More than 10,000 Indian students are enrolled in Robeson County public schools.

Get the Story:
Groups say policy on feathers violates rights of student, dad (The Fayetteville Observer 6/6)
Soaring strong (Indian Country Today 6/6)

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Indian student can't wear eagle feather to graduation (5/23)