To the editor:

What year is this? Where am I? What pathetic, ignorant, closed-minded society do I live in?

Memo to Christopher Rickert: You are completely correct that prospective students, parents and alumni will read articles in the Daily that will change their views of Iowa State.

You are also without a doubt right that they may be more reluctant to give donations or attend Iowa State.

However, it is NOT because of the Daily’s positive coverage of LGBTAA events; it is because of intolerance and ignorance displayed in publications such as your April 10 letter to the editor. You’ve also failed by minimizing the negative consequences.

Not only will donations and enrollment deteriorate because of letters like yours, but Iowa State’s entire image and respectability will deteriorate.

People will question how Iowa State’s technology has progressed so dramatically while the mentality in the area has regressed. Iowa, and the Midwest in general, has continued to obtain a “hick” stereotype. People say that we are “behind the times.” Hmm, I wonder why?

You suggest that the Daily present issues that “relate to and prepare [students] for life after college.”

Hello, Mr. Homophobe, this is a real issue that not only will be in our lives after college but (surprise) is in our lives NOW.

Also in your letter, Mr. Rickert, you advise the editor to “use your publication to educate.” I believe the Daily was trying to educate — educate people like you, sir.

Memo to self: Sadly, ignorance thrives on.

Rachel Roehler

Junior

Animal ecology