Pupil rights: school graduation ceremonies and related events: adornments.

Assembly Member Ramos's proposal to expand cultural and religious expression at school ceremonies would modify California's existing provisions for graduation attire by extending pupils' rights to wear traditional tribal regalia and religious or cultural adornments to events beyond graduation ceremonies. The measure places determination of what constitutes appropriate cultural and religious items with pupils and their families, rather than school administrators.

The legislation prohibits local educational agencies from implementing preapproval processes for cultural and religious adornments or requiring pupils to wear graduation caps when incompatible with their chosen items. Schools retain authority to restrict items that could substantially disrupt or materially interfere with ceremonies. The bill defines adornments as items worn with, but not replacing, traditional graduation attire, while cultural items encompass recognized practices and traditions of specific groups.

These modifications apply to all California school districts, county offices of education, and charter schools. The measure requires no additional funding and maintains existing enforcement mechanisms, with schools responsible for implementing updated policies within their current administrative frameworks.