I have always been proud to say that Iowa State is my alma mater. I had inspiring instructors across many departments and have made lasting friendships with many of them.

But as an alumna, I have become deeply disappointed lately about Iowa State’s collusion with Regent Bruce Rastetter and his plans to displace over 160,000 refugees currently living in Tanzania. Rastetter proposed building a giant industrial, corporate “farm” to help the refugees, who have been farming successfully using methods appropriate to that environment.

Rastetter proposed renting 800,000 acres for $.25 per acre. Make no mistake, at prices like that, this arrangement would have meant big profits for Rastetter and his company AgriSol. Iowa State’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences would have received some money for scholarships, as well. But Iowa State should be promoting policies which help farmers and consumers, not policies that enrich big corporations and corporate donors and hold no promise of scientific advancement. Rastetter misused his position of power and has thereby harmed the reputation of Iowa State.

Rastetter did not disclose his conflict of interest when he proposed the project. Only after the scandal had become public knowledge did both he and Iowa State distance themselves from the project. Because of his egregious abuse of power and position, Rastetter has caused damage to Iowa State’s reputation of doing independent, fair-minded research. Rastetter should resign from the Iowa Board of Regents.

This incident raises a larger issue, which should disturb all of us — the increase in corporate money funding research at our public universities. This type of funding inevitably shapes the research carried out, influencing which questions are studied and which answers are taken seriously. The nature of research should be driven by scientists, not corporate donors. Money gives corporations power and influence over public universities, which have historically been our most productive source of independent-minded research.

You can sign a petition asking to have Rastetter removed from the Iowa Board of Regents here.