The Daily’s series of articles, “Parents balance family, school responsibilities” really slams a punch into my stomach because I am a very open and out lesbian involved in a very monogamous relationship. My partner of more than a year and I are engaged, but we cannot legally marry in Iowa.

We cannot partake in such “rewards of marriage” as compassionate, accommodating preferential treatment from professors, or additional federal student aid, or a nice grant from the university, just because we got married.

How nice it would be to enjoy such luxuries rather than scrape by trying to go to school, work enough to pay the bills, figure out how to qualify for financial aid and find time with each other, simply for getting married.

This series of articles is a prime example of promoting a negative campus climate regarding diversity.

As a lesbian, this kind of reporting makes me feel invisible and unimportant.

This kind of reporting, with a large color photo promoting something I cannot legally take part of in this state, inspires me to seek employment and further my education outside of Iowa. Great job, Daily.

Angela Beaman

Senior

Horticulture