Hayden Griffith has been told she can't wear an eagle feather during graduation ceremonies despite support from the Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma. Photo from Facebook
A federal judge won't force a public school in Oklahoma to change its policy against eagle feathers at graduation. Hayden Layne Griffith, 18, failed to show how her religious rights were being violated the Caney Valley High School, Judge Gregory Frizzell ruled. The decision likely means the 18-year-old student will have to walk today without her feather, which was a gift from an elder of the Delaware Tribe as a recognition of her achievements. "Here, the school’s policy prohibiting all decorations on graduation caps is a neutral policy of general applicability," Frizzell wrote in the 11-page decision. "Furthermore, the school has a legitimate interest in maintaining the formality of the graduation ceremony, and in demonstrating the unity of the graduating class." Turtle Talk has posted the decision in the case, Griffith v. Caney Valley Public Schools. Get the Story:
Student loses again on bid to wear eagle feather in cap during graduation ceremony (The Tulsa World 5/21)
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