Indigenous student had to remove tribal regalia before graduation [Video]

TACOMA, Wash. — Tacoma Public Schools has launched an investigation into why an Indigenous high school senior was barred from wearing her Native regalia at her graduation. 

This happened in June, even though it’s state law that schools must allow tribal members to wear culturally significant items at graduation ceremonies. 

In an exclusive interview with KING 5 News, Gracie Ray and her family spoke out about what happened at the Tacoma Dome on June 13, 2024.

For most of the Lincoln High School seniors walking at the Tacoma Dome, graduation was filled with pride. But for one, it was fraught with grief and pain.

“Yes, it was very shameful,” Gracie Ray said. “I felt…just…like I shouldn’t be there.”

Gracie Ray of Tacoma was going to be the very first person in her family to receive her …