San Jose State postpones Native American Heritage Month events, sparking backlash

San Jose State San Jose State postpones Native American Heritage Month events, sparking backlash Students and tribal members express outrage after SJSU postpones a campus walk, exhibit, and reception, citing state and federal law compliance concerns. By Damian Trujillo • Published November 9, 2026 • Updated on November 9, 2026 at 7:02 pm As people across the country honor Native American Heritage Month, some in the South Bay are angry. That is because San Jose State University has postponed several of its celebrations, citing concerns over state and federal law. Watch NBC Bay Area News free wherever you are WATCH HERE The decision has upset students and members of the Native American community, who say now is not the time to be postponing these kinds of events. Native American culture is rich in the South Bay. At the San Jose State campus, the fifth floor of the Martin Luther King Jr. Library features a section dedicated to the history of Native Americans. "They're the base of it, all here," said Nadia Ramirez, a senior. "They were the first people here. They're the originators of this land." Student Lucas Ngai added, "Just to understand the culture. Especially the people that are here, this land." But the campus recently received disappointing news: San Jose State is postponing at least three events, citing concerns over state and federal law. The affected events include an annual Native American walk called "Running in Prayer," an exhibit on the fifth floor, and a reception. Local Santa Clara 54 minutes ago Police arrest man seen in video attacking unconscious person at Levi's Stadium parking lot bay area weather 14 minutes ago Bay Area agencies prepared to respond to anything during El Niño winter SJSU declined an on-camera interview, sending a statement instead that read: "It was necessary for San Jose State to postpone the 'Running in Prayer' exhibit and related events as the proposed timing of these events did not allow the university to ensure compliance with Federal and State law and CSU Policy. The university is committed to honoring Tribal Nations, respecting their sovereignty and cultural protocols, and taking next steps thoughtfully once required consultation processes are completed." Kathy Chavez Napoli, a Spartan alum, a member of the Mountain Maidu Tribe out of Susanville, and a member of a committee that oversees Native American collections and exhibits on California State University campuses, was floored by the decision. "The first question I would have is show me the policies that you are trying to enforce so we as tribal members, so we can see them and let us interpret them," Chavez Napoli said. "Invite us to sit at the table and talk," she added. "Don't make arbitrary decisions. That's what it feels like, an arbitrary decision." Ramirez echoed those frustrations regarding the broader impact. "I think it's very disheartening," Ramirez said. "Especially with the political climate right now. There's a lot of stories that are trying to get put down and silenced." Despite the postponements, the Native American student group on campus is still moving forward with its celebrations. This article tagged under: San Jose State