Leticia Gonzales. Photo from Facebook

Leticia Gonzales, a member of the Bishop Paiute Tribe of California, has been told she can't wear a beaded graduation cap to her commencement ceremony next month.

Gonzales's grandmother beaded the cap in anticipation of the June 10 milestone at the Bishop Union High School. But, without any advance notice, a message showed up on a school whiteboard that said caps cannot be decorated.

"I don’t think this is hurting anyone and my grandmother made this out of love, respect and honor," Gonzales, who serves on her tribe's youth council and is active in national Indian youth organizations, told Indian Country Today.

Tahvooche Saulque, a fellow tribal member who went to the same school, was surprised to hear of the policy. She was allowed to wear an eagle feather when she graduated.

“The school makes us buy the caps and gowns, and I don’t see the problem, there is a big Native population that goes to this school," Saulque told ICT.

The school district's superintendent told ICT that talks are underway with tribal leaders for a possible solution.

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Feathers Okay at Graduation, But No Beaded Caps! (Indian Country Today 5/5)