Diversity, what does it mean? Lately the term “diversity” has been flying around campus like flies on a roadkill. Yet, no one seems to understand what it means. America has been diverse since our founding fathers broke away from Great Britain. Is it not a little odd that we are still trying to define “diversity” after 200 years?

Many people shed their blood and tears to help shape America to what it is today. Many African-American soldiers gave their lives during the Civil War to ensure that “one nation under God and justice for all” will not perish from this wonderful continent we call “America.” Many Japanese-Americans during W.W.II, enlisted into the military services to fight and preserve America’s idea of “freedom.” If only these soldiers see what is going on at ISU today, what they were fighting so hard to preserve (ideas of freedom) has made no impact at all.

After reading Friday, Jan., 31 article, “Students Convicted in the Dark” in the Daily, I felt ashamed to be a part of Iowa State. ISU states it is a diverse campus and it supports everyone’s ideas and values. However, when minority groups speak out about issues concerning their well-being, they are forced to be silent.

Are we not taught to speak out for what we believed in? How can I be proud of a university that punishes me for speaking out on what is important to me? The issue may not be a big concern for the university; but it is for many students.

Iowa State University should be ashamed. How can the university deny the students’ rights to an open and collective hearing? How can the university say that this case was not important enough to take it to the University Judiciary Board when students could get suspend from the university. These students are leaders in their own perspective student organizations. If they are not allowed to carry on their duties, it will be a vital blow to the university as a diverse community.

If the university is committed to diversity; then give these four students a fair trail and get them the punishment that fits the crime. Silencing these students will not serve as a deterrence but rather will be motivations for many students.

I challenge the university to rethink its commitment to diversity. If ISU cannot keep its words and commitments; then do not state it. Effort is what counts not cheap words. My goal here is not to bad mouth the university; but rather to let ISU be aware that there is some kind of disease out there. The university needs to find a cure for it.

Vang Lee S.

Senior

Psychology

Vice-president, APAAC