There is an issue within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The students who shared their stories in the recent article, “Underrepresented students share their CALS experiences” are correct. Their personal experiences of peers using slurs, misogynistic jokes, racial isolation and agricultural-knowledge shaming are true. I, too, have experienced many of the same things. 

As a woman in agriculture who did not grow up on a farm, and as a student in both CALS and the Greenlee School of Journalism, I relate to the stories shared in the article. Many others within CALS, and Iowa State as a whole, can relate as well.

However, this does not justify shaming the entire college. I welcome all CALS students to reach out to CALS Council if they feel as though their voices are not heard. CALS Council is the representative student body of the college and wants to implement more constructive initiatives for all. There are still individuals in this university who do not value diversity. CALS, as an institution, is not one of them. I ask that we not let the actions of a few discredit the reputation of many.

The article mentioned the Minorities in Agriculture, Natural Resources and Related Sciences (MANRRS) and Leaders Enhancing Agriculture, Diversity, Inclusion and Trust Collective (LEAD-IT) initiatives, but there are far more efforts taking place to help each individual have a better experience.

CALS Council is selecting their first Diversity and Inclusion Senior Award, CALS Week hosted a “Diversity in the Agriculture Industry” panel, the deans of the college hold open forums and round-table discussions and CALS Ambassadors implemented new Principles of Community and are focusing more intently on diversity and inclusion. The point is this list is long and it is growing.

So many leaders across the college are doing what they can to make the college a better place. There is an issue within CALS, but it lies with ignorant individuals — not with the college.