United Way of Story County is an organization that “raises money to support community service agencies in their efforts to meet health and human services needs of people in their communities,” according to its Web site, www.uwstory.org. Yet, despite this honorable mission, the Faculty Senate passed a motion, 34-27, to discontinue university support of United Way.

And they did so for good reason.

United Way — while a considerable help to community groups such as the local YWCA — funds Boy Scouts of America, which does not allow homosexuals in their organization.

In 2000, the Supreme Court ruled, 5-4, that the Boy Scouts could ban homosexuals from its ranks. The court ruled not allowing the Boy Scouts to ban homosexual troop leaders violates its right to freedom of association and free speech under the First Amendment.

The group’s oath demands members be “morally straight.”

Because United Way funds a group that blatantly discriminates, Senate members representing the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences brought up the motion to end United Way support, citing a conflict with the university’s nondiscrimination policy.

This policy states: “Iowa State does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, sex, marital status, disability or status as a U.S. Vietnam Era Veteran.”

If it is truly the goal of Iowa State to not discriminate on things such as sexual orientation, then it is clear the Faculty Senate made the appropriate decision.

Tolerance toward homosexuals has certainly been something this campus has severely lacked this year. On Nov. 18, “Dean of Fags” was spray painted on the Student Services building and “Die Fag Die” on the Durham Center. This semester there have been two more incidents: the February vandalism of the Farm House Museum sign and the phrase “ISU Fag Rag” painted in black on a wall between Hamilton Hall and the Landscape Architecture building.

Discrimination talks have been held. GSB presidential candidates campaigned on a need for a center to teach about other lifestyles and cultures. Finally, by passing this motion, the Faculty Senate has taken real action to show that this university will not accept unfair treatment of people based on sexual preferences.

Unfortunately, the administration did not accept the Senate’s recommendation. Due to all the positive things United Way does — which no one is denying — they have decided to continue to provide them university support, despite the apparent friction with the nondiscrimination policy.

It is high time this university stopped talking about tolerance and started acting on it. The Faculty Senate has taken the right steps. Now, the administration needs to follow in stride.

Editorial Board: Cavan Reagan, Amber Billings, Ayrel Clark, Charlie Weaver, Katie List