On behalf of the Catt family, I would like to welcome the incoming class to Iowa State University. I am writing in response to the column of Milton McGriff, regarding, among other items, my great-great aunt, Carrie Chapman Catt.

His article started out with a statement that “… misconceptions will take flight as we intensify our determined quest to have Carrie Chapman Catt Hall renamed … ” I don’t believe I have ever heard a more correct statement from Mr. McGriff, and true to his word, in the same sentence he asserted that Carrie Chapman Catt was not a good choice to honor all women. In the first place, the building was named Catt Hall to honor her. There is ample proof that her life was filled with actions that embraced many others.

This is a woman who created the political strategy that resulted in the 19th Amendment. This is the founder of the League of Women Voters — a woman who worked for the rights of women in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Africa. This is a woman who worked tirelessly for peace to establish the League of Nations and, for a decade, to establish open immigration. This is a woman thousands of Americans have come to recognize as one with tremendous character, who devoted her life to fighting for what she believed in.

So it may seem strange to you that a group tells you they want “diversity” will not tolerate this honor made to her. It would appear for some that diversity is a one-way street and that divisiveness is a better description for their efforts. Let me extend my invitation to any group who would like to hear all the facts about her life to contact me at my home in Des Moines. I would be more than willing to come and review the facts and respond to the coming flight of misconceptions!

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Tim Lane

Relative of Carrie Lane Chapman Catt