Federal Court Dismisses Suit by Oklahoma Student Denied Request to Wear Eagle Feather at Graduation

Here is the opinion in Griffith v. Caney Valley Public Schools (N.D. Okla.):

42 DCT Order

Briefs here.

Briefs in Oklahoma Eagle Feather Graduation Case

Here are the materials in Griffith v. Caney Valley Public Schools (N.D. Okla.):

32 Motion to Dismiss

33 Opposition

34 Reply

39 Brief of the State of Oklahoma As Amicus Curiae

Federal Court Affirms Oklahoma School’s Refusal to Allow Native High School Graduate to Wear Eagle Feather on Graduation Cap

Here is the order in Griffith v. Caney Valley Public Schools (N.D. Okla.):

22. Order and Opinion (5-20-15)

Prior materials here.

Magistrate Decision in Griffith v. Caney Valley Public Schools

In which the student is denied the right to wear an eagle feather on her graduation cap. Her graduation from Caney Valley Public Schools, which is just north of Tulsa, is tomorrow.

Recommendation

The School demonstrated that the graduation ceremony is a formal ceremony and that the unity of the graduating class as a whole is fostered by the uniformity of the caps which are the most prominently visible part of the graduation regalia viewed by the audience to the graduation. Prohibiting decoration of any graduation cap by any student for any purpose serves these legitimate interests. Based on the application of these established principles the undersigned finds that Plaintiff has not demonstrated a substantial likelihood of success on her First Amendment Free Exercise of Religion claim.

Plaintiff’s Motion and Brief

Defendant’s Motion and Brief

20. Objection to Report and Rec (5-20-15)

21. Defs Resp to Obj to RR (5-20-15)