Schools

American Indian Symbol Ruffles Feathers at Stow-Munroe Falls Graduation

Father says her daughter's graduation day was ruined because she could not display an eagle feather given to her at birth.

When Miracle Michelle Alexander Jaworski from this year, it was without her American Indian birth feather. 

Miracle's father, Ken Jaworski, addressed the to express his discontent with the situation .

He alleges that a teacher, who is a senior adviser, took the American Eagle feather off of Miracle's tassle, damaging the sacred feather. 

Find out what's happening in Stowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"It's been in her possession her entire life ... it was given to her almost 18 years ago and cannot be replaced," said Jaworski. "It was a horrible day that will live in her memory for the rest of her life.

"Graduation day was supposed to be biggest honor and achievement to date."

Find out what's happening in Stowwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Superintendent Russ Jones said the teacher did not touch Miracle's feather, but gave her an option to take it off, not walk the stage or tuck it inside of the cap. 

During a graduation practice, Jones said students were told that ornaments were not allowed to be displayed during commencement. 

"I am very personally disappointed that Miracle's graduation day is going to be negative in her mind for the rest of her life," he said.

Jaworski said he notified the school "numerous times" in the weeks before graduation and "no objections were given" about wearing the feather.

Jones said he was not aware of any contact made prior to the ceremony and if the family had requested to wear the feather beforehand, "I'm sure we could have made reasonable accommodations to meet their needs — and we would have happily done so. We respect all religions, ethnic groups, we support them wholeheartedly."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

More from Stow