Dear Fellow Iowans,
The Iowa Archeological Society (IAS) is dedicated to the discovery and preservation of knowledge about the lives of past peoples in what is today called Iowa. The brutal murder of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor by those sworn to protect and serve is one of too many similar tragedies in recent memory. There can be no doubt of the rights of those who stand up to be heard as they seek meaningful changes in our rhetoric, education, policing, and representation. The American ideal is that government at all levels has the responsibility to listen to its citizens. The IAS leadership stands firmly united against racism. We support those who, during a pandemic, risk official retaliation to give non-violent voice to our collective outrage. Archaeology is not about the past, but rather about using an understanding of the past to help shape a better future for all, a future in which the systemic racism and injustice of today’s world is swept aside to the dustbin of history.
The Iowa Archeological Society Executive Directors
