I’m writing in regards to the ISU Athletic Department’s decision to end public parking on paved surfaces adjacent to Jack Trice stadium during games.

The letter explaining the changes that was sent to National Cyclone Club members said the ISU administration asked the athletic department to meet Homeland Security guidelines and “…due to the advice of our local law enforcement and emergency management agencies, along with significant increases in National Cyclone Club memberships, all paved parking surrounding Jack Trice Stadium will now be reserved for National Cyclone Club members.”

Looking beyond the fact that anybody, would-be terrorists included, can join the National Cyclone Club, it is with great shock that I read William Dillon’s July 8 article, “Students may be pushed from current tailgating lots,” detailing a meeting between university representatives and students. Instead of sticking to their Homeland Security story, the ISU administration has hijacked security concerns as a way to force students out of the same parking lots that increased student fees paid to construct.

Approximately 25—30 police officers patrol the stadium before, during, and after each football game with the students receiving the bulk of their attention, yet they usually write less than 75 citations for crowds in excess of 50,000. This doesn’t jibe with the scene that Dr. Hill and Mr. Englin seem to describe. Maybe they’re simply allergic to fun — or perhaps they’re looking for an excuse to divert attention away from the fact that parking lots constructed on the students’ dime are now being given to donors.

Trevor August

Alumnus