LGBT Lav Grad Update

Here are the replies I received regarding last Tuesday's post, "Lavender Graduation for the LGBT".

Thank you for your question, which was forwarded to me. The Lavender Graduation celebrates the accomplishments of the LGBT community and allies. While the ceremony is called "graduation," it is actually a symbolic event. Iowa State's official commencement is the ceremony at which degrees are conferred and diplomas are given. Students participating in "Lav Grad" come together as a community along with faculty, family and friends, just as other communities do -- such as "People of Nia," which is a celebration for African-American students. Across the U.S. there are many different informal, community-based "graduations," in addition to formal university graduations during which degrees are awarded. At ISU, the celebration is paid for by a donation to the Foundation for such purposes and the student organization "Alliance.

Iowa State University values diversity and is committed to providing a welcoming physical, social, cultural and intellectual environment for all.

Sharon Paterson McGuire, Ph.D.
Interim Dean of Students
Iowa State University

My name is Carlos Serrato, Assistant Director in the Office of Student Life at The University of Iowa. I am also a co-chair of The UI LGBT Staff & Faculty Association.

The Association has held a "Rainbow Graduation Recognition Reception" since 2000.  The reception is held during the first week in May.  This event is a reception not a graduation ceremony and does not take the place of the University's formal graduation ceremonies. 

The reception acknowledges graduating UI GLBT students.  This recognition is done in the form of giving each student a certificate stating their major; a rainbow tassel; and Iowa lapel stick pin; and a flower. 

The event is pretty low key.  In the past we have had the President of this institution give some welcoming remarks; family members; keynote speakers; university and community members; and performances.  This program is open to the public.


The response from UNI was succinct

No, there are no separate ceremonies for special groups, just two 
ceremonies divided between the colleges.

DeWayne Purdy
Associate Director / Operations
Office of University Marketing and Public Relations
University of Northern Iowa

I don't believe the question of funding has been adequately addressed, do tax dollars provide support? I asked the I.S.U. & Iowa staff for more information.