John –
 

You might have seen in the news that the newly elected Hinckley-Finlayson School Board has decided to block the Native American Student Associations drum group from performing at its graduation ceremony.

 

This had been a tradition for years in the district where nearly 20% of the students are of Native American heritage.

 

On its face it looks pretty bad, but the district decided to justify the decision by saying the secular song that the group plays has some sort of religious connotations that caused “legal concerns”.

 

The board is attempting to erase history and traditions that should be celebrated and respected by all.

 

We're not surprised by the board's actions, as far-right dominated school boards across the state have taken shameless action against students of color, indigenous students, LGBTQ+ students, and students who stand with them.

 

The students of Hinkley-Finlayson have launched a petition demanding that the school board reverse course. Please add your voices to theirs by signing the petition today and join us in demanding they reverse course.

 

Thank you,

 

Kyrstin Schuette

School Board Integrity Project