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HB 1393

Providing public school students with opportunities for cultural expression at commencement ceremonies.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Bergquist and 12 co-sponsors

Washington law permits public school students to wear cultural dress or regalia at graduation ceremonies alongside or replacing standard gowns, effective July 27, 2025.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · HB 1393

Legislative bill overview

HB 1393 allows public school students in Washington to wear cultural dress or regalia alongside, or instead of, standard graduation gowns at commencement ceremonies. The bill protects students' rights to express their cultural identity during this significant milestone without penalty or restriction from school administrators.

Why is this important

Graduation ceremonies mark a pivotal moment in students' educational journeys, and cultural expression during these events can affirm identity and belonging—particularly for students from underrepresented communities. The law removes barriers that previously forced students to choose between honoring their heritage and participating fully in graduation traditions, addressing equity concerns in how schools accommodate diverse student populations.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation logistics: Schools must establish clear policies defining what constitutes acceptable cultural dress and regalia, creating potential inconsistency across districts and disputes over borderline cases
  • Viewpoint balance concerns: Some may argue the law privileges cultural expression while potentially restricting other forms of student self-expression or religious dress at ceremonies
  • Administrative burden: Schools must train staff, develop guidelines, and handle exceptions without clear state-level standards, potentially creating compliance challenges and costs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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