Regent expresses disgust at ISU lecturer’s letter

AMES - State Board of Regents leaders on Thursday responded to what they called a “fairly offensive” letter to the editor this week in the Iowa State University student newspaper.

The letter, published Monday in the Iowa State Daily, was written by Thomas Walker, a lecturer in ISU's intensive English and orientation program. Walker in his letter criticized the College Republicans for collecting donations for U.S. soldiers serving in Afghanistan and Iraq, arguing that necessities should be collected for poor people in this country.  (Read the letter here)

Regent President Pro Tem Bruce Rastetter said Thursday the board wanted to be clear that the regents do not share Walker's opinion.

“I, along with many Iowans, was offended and disgusted by the unfortunate and highly inappropriate remarks made against our soldiers in uniform,” Rastetter said. “Not only did Mr. Walker insult our sons and daughters in uniform - he also questioned the kind and humanitarian efforts made by our students to ensure that our soldiers know we care about them and are exceedingly grateful for their service.”

ISU President Gregory Geoffroy said at the meeting he was disappointed in Walker's choice to write the letter, and that Walker's opinion does not express the values of the university and its students.

Kyle Bitterman, a senior in speech communication and a member of the Army ROTC, told regents that as a veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, he knows how much packages from home can mean to soldiers overseas. Bitterman said ROTC members were shocked by the letter, but know that many others don't share that opinion.

“We have a great amount of support here from the university as a whole,” he said.

If any disciplinary action against Walker is considered by the board or the university, ROTC members would not support that, Bitterman said. They instead would recommend having campus dialogue about the topic.

“Every American has a right to express (opinions) because of freedom of speech,” he said.

ISU Government of the Student Body President Dakota Hoben said the letter, which drew attention nationally, portrayed a false image of what Iowa State is about.

“What's lost among the national media attention is the fact that Iowa State does not endorse this point of view,” Hoben said.