The Iowa State Campus Republicans went through the appeal process Tuesday in hopes of being allowed to have a float in the Veishea parade. To our dismay, we were notified Friday that even after our appeal we will still not be able to enter our float.

As one of the largest student groups on campus, we would love to be able to show off what our club brings to Iowa State. When I attended my first Campus Republicans meeting, the people there had energy and enthusiasm that I couldn’t help but want to be a part of. Since joining, I have had the opportunity to travel across the state to meet local, state and national congressmen which otherwise I would never have met.

We also debate current issues and keep members up to date on what our local, state and national governments are doing. Allowing the Campus Republicans a float in the parade is not political activism, nor should it make anyone uncomfortable since we will not be pushing any issues or talking points on anyone.

Our whole idea was to alert the campus that students can be — and are involved — in the political process. With the current push for voter registration on campus, not allowing political party groups to be in the parade seems illogical. The decision of the Veishea committee effects not only Republicans, but every active party on campus.

Ehren Whigham

Sophomore

Biology