ETHS Grad Denied Ceremony Walk Due To Native American Regalia On Cap

Evanston IL

24 May, 2022

2:16 PM

Description

EVANSTON, IL — An Evanston Township High School senior was denied the chance to walk the stage Sunday at his graduation after school officials took issue with the Native American regalia on his graduation cap, WLS-TV reported. In footage of the encounter provided to WLS-TV by 17-year-old Nimkii Curley, a person is heard telling Curley he must switch his hat and take off his stole in order to join the line at graduation. Curley refused to remove the hat, explaining to WLS-TV that the feathers attached to his cap had religious significance. His mother and sister told WLS-TV they are proud of how he handled the situation, and his principal delivered Curley's diploma in person Monday and apologized. The school told graduating students adornment was not allowed, but now "is reviewing the graduation guidelines, particularly as they relate to acknowledging the history and stories of indigenous students," Evanston Township High School District 202 said in a statement provided to WLS-TV. Read more from WLS-TV.