Virtual Graduation Ceremony Statement

To the Class of 2020, the following address is for you:

The birthplace of Sigma Lambda Gamma National Sorority, Inc. the Danforth Chapel, in Iowa City Iowa sits on the traditional homelands of the Kiikaapoi (Kickapoo), Iowa, Sauk and Meskwaki, and Očeti Šakówiŋ (Sioux) nations and the nations beyond number whose names we no longer remember because of colonialism. The Native and Indigenous folks of this land do not merely exist in the past, but are in our present, alive in tightknit communities, preserving their language, culture and practices. We must continue to work to acknowledge and honor the peoples of which this very land was taken from. Let this acknowledgment be an example of groups coming together around shared experiences- experiences of marginalization and violence but also of perseverance and strength.

The Sigma Lambda Gamma Education Foundation remains dedicated to supporting scholastic achievement and lifelong learning as well as service to the global community. We’d like to address the systemic inequities that have been made clear by current events our country and the world is facing. We recognize that members have educational endeavors that have been impacted by this. We steadfastly support our community and our members against the brutal treatment of Black Americans and people of color. For all those who are mourning and in pain, we see you. We hear you. We stand with you. 

Standing in solidarity with communities of color is not enough. We implore members to advocate for racial equality. To acknowledge institutional barriers in our society and commit themselves to breaking those inequities. Let us unite together, holding each other accountable through education and action.

As new graduates, we encourage you to be the generational change. The time is now and you are the catalysts.