IOWA PRIDE NETWORK APPLAUDS ISU STUDENT GOVERMMENT FOR
REJECTING DISCRIMINATION Student Government Rejects Pending Student Organization Policy Allowing Varying Degrees of Discrimination

Des Moines, IA – October 27 – The Iowa Pride Network is applauding Iowa State University’s Student Government for rejecting discrimination in the pending Student Organization Recognition Policy.

Controversy has erupted over religious groups on campus who are seeking special privileges in order to discriminate against those they oppose. Their effort is part of a larger movement by the Christian Legal Society and other conservative Christian groups.

“This proposed policy is part of a strategic effort by conservative Christian groups on Iowa State’s campus that has been going on for years,” stated Ryan Roemerman, Director of the Iowa Pride Network, a non-profit organization that networks and provides resources to Gay-Straight Alliances across Iowa. “They are trying to bully Iowa State’s administration into adding varying degrees of discrimination into ISU policies.”

The Student Government, which passed its resolution on Wednesday, “implored the rejection of the pending
Student Organization Recognition Policy, opposing the accommodation of any violation to the University’s
non-discrimination policy.”

“Thankfully, student organizations like Iowa State’s Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Ally Alliance
and the Student Government realize that having an accepting and welcoming campus climate is crucial to
the learning outcomes of its students,” stated Roemerman; adding that, “With a 2004 ISU Campus Climate
Survey showing nearly 70% of its LGBT students fearing for their safety, it behooves ISU officials to reject
proposals that increase discrimination of LGBT students.”

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