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Press Release--Governor Cooper Signed H.B. 166 the American Indians Graduating with Honors Act

For Immediate Release


Legislation Signed into Law by N.C. Governor Roy Cooper Will Give Protections for American Indian Graduates


Raleigh, NC (June 15, 2023) - Following unanimous support, Governor Roy Cooper signed H.B. 166, the American Indians Graduating with Honors Act, into law on Wednesday. The legislation was introduced by Rep. Jarrod Lowery, an enrolled Lumbee Citizen, (R-Robeson). The law allows for “a student that is, or is eligible to be, enrolled as a member of a state or federally recognized Indian Tribe shall be allowed to wear objects of cultural significance as part of the student's regalia at any graduation ceremony,” at any public school in North Carolina. The objects of cultural significance are defined as bird feathers or plums. Rep. Lowery stated, "With this new law, American Indian students will be able to have the honor of wearing a feather at the very important life event that is high school graduation. This law now brings clarity to all school boards across the state that they can no longer deny American Indian students the ability to wear a bird feather at graduations.”

Lumbee Tribal Chairman John L. Lowery stated the legislation will have a significant imp