President Pro Tem Bruce Rastetter read a statement concerning a letter to the editor, published in the Iowa State Daily, written by a lecturer in the Intensive English and Orientation Program.

The letter said necessities should be given to those in need, instead of soldiers.

Rastetter read, “[In regards to] the letter to the editor in the Iowa State Daily on behalf of Thomas Walker … the Board of Regents does not share or support his decision. I, along with many Iowans, was offended and disgusted by Mr. Walker’s opinion.”

Rastetter said Iowa schools have tried hard to have a good relationship with veterans.

ISU senior Kyle Bitterman, a cadet battalion commander of the ISU ROTC and veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, said he disagrees, but respects Walker’s opinion.

“The words, no matter how much we disagree, they are opinion, and that opinion each citizen has a right to use, which is part of the U.S. Constitution, which each airman, sailor and soldier swears an oath to defend,” he said.

Dakota Hoben, president of the Government of the Student Body, had a differing opinion.

“It is the opinion of the student body that this kind of rhetoric is uncalled for and should not be tolerated,” Hoben said.

He said he hates to see Iowa State severely mislabeled.

“I hate to give the author of one letter so much credit, but in today’s digital world, there are few things that stop online content from going viral,” Hoben said.

Hoben said that as a student leader, he has a responsibility to enhance the student experience and foster a positive learning environment for all students.

“Now, when service men and women are returning from the war, we want to be able to offer them an environment where they can continue their education,” Hoben said.

He said that, unfortunately, that message is not what is being received by service men and women.

“We respect his right to freedom of speech, but we also believe there are consequences for one’s actions,” Hoben said. “God bless our service men and women. God bless the United States of America.”

President Gregory Geoffroy said he wanted to make it very clear that Walker’s comments and opinions do not in anyway represent Iowa State.

“I, personally, very strongly disagree with his comments and I am very disappointed he chose to write such a letter,” Geoffroy said.

Geoffroy said he is proud of the alumni, faculty and staff who serve or have served in the military and he is proud of the students who raised funds and care baskets for the troops.