Syracuse University and SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry (ESF) community members are invited to join in raising awareness and fostering a supportive environment in April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). SAAM is a crucial time to come together and engage in meaningful conversations, educational initiatives and support programs to address the impact of sexual assault on individuals and campus communities. By collaborating across teams, we can amplify our efforts and contribute to creating a safer and more inclusive campus.
SAAM 2026 Events
If you are interested in collaborating or would like our support for a SAAM event, please contact Leslie Skeffington or email Barnes Center at The Arch Health Promotion.
This April, as we recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we’re bringing attention to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). The statistics are stark—homicide is the third leading cause of death for Indigenous women and girls between the ages of 10 and 24, over 80% of Indigenous people have experienced violence in their lifetime and Indigenous people are more than twice as likely to experience sexual assault than people of other races in the United States. Yet this crisis remains widely understudied and underreported. Sexual violence and disappearance are deeply connected, and understanding that connection is part of why awareness efforts like SAAM exist: to shine a light on those who are most often left in the dark.
This month, we honor the lives behind the statistics by committing to learning more, listening to Indigenous-led voices and ensuring that every survivor’s story is seen and valued. Join us on Monday, April 13, for a panel discussion on MMIW, where we’ll continue this important conversation together.
Panelists:
- Danika Medak-Saltzman, Turtle Mountain Chippewa
- Darrin White, Onondaga Nation, Eel Clan, Haudenosaunee Confederacy
- Spencer Lyons, Hawk Chief from Onondaga Nation, Haudenosaunee Confederacy
- Diane Schenandoah, Faithkeeper of Oneida Nation, Wolf Clan, Haudenosaunee Confederacy
- Representative from Indigenous Students at Syracuse (ISAS)
Moderator: Leslie Skeffington, assistant director of sexual and relationship violence prevention, Barnes Center at The Arch
SAAM 2026 Calendar
| Event | Date | Time | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teal Tuesday | Tuesday, April 7 | All Day | Learn more! |
| Exploring Yoga for Post-Traumatic Resiliency | Wednesday, April 8 | Noon-1 p.m. | Register now! |
| Mix It Up: Healthy Relationships | Friday, April 10 | 5-7 p.m. | Learn more! |
| Beyond the Statistics: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Panel | Monday, April 13 | 2-3:30 p.m. | RSVP today! |
| Office of People and Culture Lunch and Learn: Beyond Compliance – Understanding Campus Sexual Violence and Responding With Care | Wednesday, April 15 | 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. | Register now! |
| Expressions in Clay With Diane Schenandoah | Wednesday, April 15 | 6-7:30 p.m. | Register now! |
| Denim Day | Wednesday, April 29 | All Day | Learn more! |
Teal Ribbon Campaign
The Teal Ribbon Campaign is an opportunity for offices and departments across campus to visibly demonstrate their solidarity and allyship in the fight to end sexual and relationship violence. To place an order, complete the order form by Wednesday, April 1, 2026. Orders submitted following may be accepted on a rolling basis. Paper ribbons and support flyers should be displayed in a visible space associated with the individuals who requested the kit (e.g. offices, departments and similar). Displays are encouraged Wednesday, April 1, through Thursday, April 30, 2026.
As members of the Syracuse University community, we will stand together against any form of interpersonal violence on this campus. Every member of our community is entitled to live and work in a respectful and safe environment, and we are committed to working toward creating such an environment. It is on all of us to support those impacted by sexual and relationship violence and demonstrate our commitment to acting as a prosocial bystander to intervene.
- We pledge to treat all people with respect and to never intentionally perpetuate violence in any form, including emotional, physical and sexual violence or verbal harassment.
- We pledge to act as a prosocial bystander by recognizing and safely intervening in situations where interpersonal violence may occur, to impact the situation in a positive way.
- We pledge to create an environment in which interpersonal violence is not tolerated and to make Syracuse University a safer place.
By adding your name to the pledge, you agree to the statement above and to personally work towards ending interpersonal violence.