PHOENIX — When LaRissa Waln attended a pre-graduation meeting for Valley Vista High School, her assistant principal told students that decorations are not allowed on caps or gowns during the graduation ceremony happening on May 16 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale.
“I’m confused why I can’t wear my cap. For them to say I can’t do it because they don’t want hate groups to start doesn’t make sense. I’m not saying everyone has to do this. I’m just representing my culture," said LaRissa, a 17-year-old high school senior.
LaRissa is part of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Tribe and was in the process of decorating her cap and gown with traditional beads when she got the word that they're not allowed.
When her dad Bryan Waln heard what was going on, he reached out to the school.
“I contacted the school and asked them if they have a written policy. They couldn’t present me with a written policy. It’s not in the student handbook or the district’s handbook, so I don’t understand why it can’t be allowed,’ Bryan said.
12 News reached out to the Dysart Unified School District who told us that the principal was never notified by LaRissa or Bryan. The district released this statement:
"The Dysart Unified School District respects the formality of our high school graduation ceremonies and expects that all students wear a cap and gown. Only school-approved regalia, which is typically academic in nature, is allowed to adorn the gown. Caps or gowns are not decorated in any way."
But LaRissa and Bryan say they did reach out to school officials. Bryan says he had already asked the vice principal about the policy before 12 News ever reached out to the district.
LaRissa says despite the district's response, she plans on wearing her cap and gown decorated with traditional Sioux regalia no matter what the consequence.
"It’s my right to express my culture and be a part of a tradition," LaRissa said.
"It’s just decorated with beads. We’re not trying to send any message to anybody. We’re just celebrating our daughter," Bryan said.
LaRissa was told if she wears the cap and gown decorated with the cultural regalia she will be asked to take it off and it may get taken away. What's not clear is — if that happens — will she still be able to walk in the graduation ceremony?
Students, parents and teachers are meeting on Thursday night at the school to discuss the issue. It should be noted that another Arizona school district, Tucson Unified School District, voted to allow Native American students to wear their cultural regalia at graduation ceremonies this year.