Matthew Shephard’s mother and Rachel Scott’s father have a few things in common. Each of them suffered the loss of a child through tragic, violent deaths. Both of them were guest speakers at Iowa State. Each of them had the courage to use tragedy in their lives as a means to speak to the youth of America about heartfelt issues.

One difference between the two is that months ago, Shephard’s talk was reported by the Daily in a positive, unbiased manner.

In contrast, Scott’s speech was tainted by an adjacent story about an ISU Columbine student who “knew” Rachel Scott. Friday’s article, “Student wants truth shared,” belonged in the form of an editorial on the opinion page of the Daily. It held opinions and speculations, and did nothing but cast a shadow of doubt on the motivation and integrity of Darrell Scott and his heartfelt talk.

If tolerance is a virtue, then the Daily should practice it toward all groups represented at Iowa State. I cannot believe the insults directed toward Rachel Scott personally in Tuesday’s column by Michelle Kann, the newsroom managing editor of the Daily. This would not be tolerated by any other religion or special interest group at Iowa State.

Are there no limits at the Daily? Where were the faculty to say the editor went too far – from fair-minded, critical opinions of Darrell Scott to unnecessary, sick mockery of the dead?

Karen Eggert

Ames