As a new student this semester, I was looking forward to celebrating Veishea in a responsible, adult-like way. Wednesday morning, I woke up to a Facebook post announcing that riots had taken place the previous night in Campustown.

It is time to behave like mature adults. I understand that finally being outside of the parents’ house and under their rules and control is freedom, but with freedom comes responsibility. I am one of those who is a bit older than most undergrads. I will be 32 in a month. To those children who behaved this way, I do condemn you. You obviously do not care about others’ hard work and efforts to bring about Veishea this year. By your actions, it feels like you have spat in our faces collectively. I am so proud of the men and women who are involved as leaders and volunteers and behave responsibly. They have the right to be called adults. Please do us a big favor. Since you think that Veishea and the rest of college life is nothing but irresponsible partying, I invite to you withdraw from the university and not call yourself a Cyclone.

Iowa State deserves recognition for its academics, excellent sports programs and wonderful community. We don’t deserve to be known as “just another party school.” Iowa State is not here to babysit children that feel the need misbehave so they can get their fifteen minutes of fame. Please have some respect for those of us who work hard in class, participate in clubs, the Government of the Student Body and even work outside of school. We are the ones being punished for your immaturity and childishness. It’s not fair to us.