On April 8, 2026, Governor Tony Evers signed Wisconsin Act 222, affirming the right of Native American students to wear traditional tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies and school‑sponsored events.
This new law clarifies earlier protections that were often unclear and led to uncertainty for Indigenous students and families. Schools may not prohibit eligible students—those who are members of, descendants of, or eligible for enrollment in a federally recognized Tribe—from wearing regalia such as traditional dress, beads, feathers, and other culturally significant items.
The bill was championed over several years by Wisconsin’s Tribal Caucus, the ACLU, and other advocates committed to protecting Native identity and expression.
With this law, Wisconsin joins more than a dozen other states recognizing and protecting this important right.
The Oneida Nation celebrates this step forward—honoring culture, identity, and the right of our students to show who they are during life’s important milestones.
2025 WISCONSIN ACT 222: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/acts/222
