As most know by now, April 3rd was an historic day for Iowa. The Iowa Supreme Court unanimously ruled that civil marriage and the rights under the law, both federal and state, cannot be denied to same-sex couples under the Equal Protection Clause. I believe this is a victory for the many members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgendered community and their allies here at ISU. Our university has been ahead of the curve in treating all of its students, faculty and staff with the dignity and respect they deserve. Last semester, the Dean of Students office hired, for the first time in Iowa State’s history, a coordinator of LGBT Student Services. Under the universities insurance plan, employees can put their partner on their medical plan. These are just a couple of examples of how Iowa State University has strived for diversity and inclusivity for everyone associated with it.

I know that there are people who disagree with this decision of the Supreme Court for one reason or another; however, it is my hope that beneficial dialogue and frank discussion will take place not only here, but across the state. I would also encourage those who may want more information about LGBT issues to talk to our new Coordinator of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgendered Student Services, Brad Freihoefer, located in the student services building. Once again, I want to congratulate the State of Iowa for leading the nation yet again in civil rights.