NC student told he can’t wear feathers to graduation

PEMBROKE — A Purnell Swett High School student is asking Lumbee tribal leaders to help him get permission to wear eagle feathers during graduation to honor his late grandfather and mother.

Corey Bird says he was told he could be pulled from the graduation line June 13 if he wears the feathers.

The Fayetteville Observer reported Friday that Bird said he initially was told by Principal Antonio Wilkins that Bird couldn’t wear feathers on his cap but could on his gown.

Robeson County School Superintendent Johnny Hunt says the school’s lawyer advised that wearing a feather is not allowed. Hunt says he’s worried that a precedent would allow any group to wear something that might disrupt the ceremony.

Lumbee Council member Ray Littleturtle says it’s an inherited right for American Indians to wear eagle feathers.

Information from: The Fayetteville Observer,
http://www.fayobserver.com

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)