Iowa State students have differing opinions about whether Chelsea Clinton, the 19-year-old daughter of the first couple, is a public figure worthy of news coverage.

This week’s issue of People Magazine, featuring an eight-page story and photographs of the young Clinton, as well as first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton, has sparked criticism from the White House.

In recent years, the Stanford University freshman has become a public figure, traveling on diplomatic trips and posing for photo opportunities to help convey an image of unity with her parents.

Jen Holmes, junior in biology, said she thinks Chelsea Clinton’s foreign diplomacy trips bring about certain responsibilities.

“I think if she’s going to take part in foreign missions, then she is representing the United States,” she said. “She should be in the public eye.”

Chelsea Clinton has also garnered attention for matters unrelated to her family’s goodwill missions.

Late last year, The New York Post gave daily coverage of Clinton’s break-up with her first college beau.

The story caused some controversy among writers in the mainstream media, who had agreed unofficially to stay out of Chelsea Clinton’s private life.

Ann Johnson, senior in business management, agreed that Chelsea Clinton’s position gives the media the right to cover her personal life.

“Her reactions are important,” she said. “I can understand that she’s in college and her parents probably don’t want her to be hassled, but she is newsworthy.”

Bob Richards, freshman in management information systems, also agreed that the media is legitimate in focusing on the first daughter.

“I think that there isn’t anything wrong with it,” he said. “She’s a big figure in politics; [publicity] goes along with it.”

Brooke Talley, freshman in accounting, agreed that Chelsea Clinton is fair game for the press.

“If her dad doesn’t want her in the public eye, he shouldn’t be dancing around at every campaign promoting family values,” she said. “If he promotes the family life, [the media] is going to want to talk to his family.”

However, Jason Driscoll, senior in agriculture systems technology, said he thinks Chelsea Clinton has little to do with her father’s presidency.

“I really don’t think it’s legitimate to get her involved, even if she is part of the family,” he said. “They should just leave the poor girl alone and let her go to school.”

Kelly Christianson, sophomore in mechanical engineering, also feels Chelsea Clinton’s personal life should not be dissected by journalists.

“She’s just kind of stuck in the spotlight,” she said. “Actors and actresses have a choice; she didn’t.”

Like her parents, Chelsea Clinton has been praised for her intelligence and poise in the spotlight.

Rebecca Hiler, junior in journalism and mass communication, said she thinks Clinton is mature enough to handle the attention.

“I think that Chelsea should get to dictate whether or not she’s in the spotlight,” she said. “It should be up to her whether or not she wants her life to be on public display.”