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ARIZONA STATE SENATE
Fifty-Fourth Legislature, Second Regular Session
schools; graduation ceremonies; cultural regalia
Purpose
An emergency measure that allows a student who is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe or is eligible to become a member to wear traditional tribal regalia while participating in a graduation ceremony.
Background
The State Board of Education (SBE) establishes 22 credits as the minimum number of credits necessary for high school graduation. This includes: 1) four credits of English or English as a Second Language; 2) three credits of social studies; 3) four credits of mathematics; 4) three credits of science; 5) one credit in the arts or career and technical education and vocational education; and 6) seven credits of additional courses prescribed by the local district board (A.A.C. § R7-2-302).
A school district governing board (governing board) prescribes curricula that include academic standards as prescribed by SBE for the graduation of students from high school. Governing boards must also prescribe criteria that include academic standards in at least reading, writing, mathematics, science and social studies, as determined by district assessment. Other criteria may include additional measures of academic achievement and attendance (A.R.S. § 15-701.01).
A governing board, charter school or an interscholastic athletic association of which a governing board or charter school is a member may not prohibit a pupil from wearing a religious or cultural accessory or hairpiece while participating in an extracurricular or athletic activity if the accessory or hairpiece does not jeopardize the health or safety of the pupil or any other person participating in the activity (A.R.S. § 15-347).
There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.
Provisions
1. Prohibits a governing board or charter school from restricting a pupil, who is a member of a federally recognized Indian tribe or is eligible to be enrolled as a member, from wearing traditional tribal regalia while participating in a graduation ceremony.
2. Becomes effective on signature of the Governor, if the emergency clause is enacted.
House Action
ED 2/5/20 W/D
ED 2/17/20 DP 11-0-0-2
3rd Read 3/5/20 58-2-0
Prepared by Senate Research
March 13, 2020
JO/MB/gs