As an alumni of the Iowa State greek system, I am ashamed to say that I was ever a member. If anyone needs to know where the negative stereotypes come from, or why their numbers are declining, they need look no further than the recent politics of the Veishea awards.

The men of 218 Ash have already paid for the irresponsible actions of a select few of their members with their charter, Veishea need not have punished them again. If anything, they should be commended for the integrity of maintaining their previous commitments, regardless of the revocation of their formal title, Delta Sigma Phi.

Is it any wonder that dorm-floor participation in both “Yell Like Hell” and Veishea has dwindled?

Who wants to participate when they know they cannot win, simply because they are not Greek?

As the people could clearly see, but the judges could not, the men of 218 Ash and the women of Kappa Delta presented a true masterpiece for the public to behold at Saturday’s parade, worthy of at least a top two finish.

So, to the men of 218 Ash and the women of Kappa Delta, congratulations on your dedication to excellence.

Your sweat and tears do not go unnoticed by those with an unbiased eye.

You should truly be proud of your efforts and perseverance in the face of a vengeful environment, which is hell-bent on making an example out of the former Delta Sigma Phi.

I am ashamed to say that Iowa State University has not evolved past the old adage, “It’s not the voters who count, but those who count the votes.”

M. Anderson

Alumnus