Religious Garb in Indian Schools

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D.C. · Sep 5, 1912

Religious Garb in Indian Schools

BEFORE leaving for Hawaii last night, Secretary of the Interior Fisher submitted to President Taft a letter fully setting forth his decision with regard to the wearing of religious garb by teachers in government Indian schools. The President has not yet examined Mr. Fisher’s decision, and it will not be made public until it is forwarded to Mr. Valentine, Commissioner of Indian Affairs. The religious garb question has been the subject of controversy since Commissioner Valentine issued an order several months ago prohibiting members of Catholic religious communities from wearing their distinctive dress while teaching in government Indian schools. Mr. Valentine’s order was subsequently suspended by President Taft pending a full hearing before Secretary Fisher. Since the hearings were concluded, Mr. Valentine has denied a report that he purposed to resign his commissionership.—The Washington Post, Aug. 25, 1912.