AMES, Iowa — A controversial bill in Iowa is now seeing backlash among college students.
It all started with an election protest that shut down the interstate in Iowa City on Nov. 11. State Rep. Bobby Kaufmann says that's what pushed him to debut his plans for the "Suck It Up, Buttercup" bill.
Kaufmann's proposal would strip funding for state universities that spend taxpayer money on election-related sit-ins and grief counselors but students at Iowa State University say the bill sends the wrong message.
In addition, students say during the election, several people on campus were targeted because of their race. Last month, nearly two dozen white supremacist posters were put up around the university.
In response, about 50 students expressed concern at a meeting last night. Their goal is to create a more inclusive campus. However, many remain divided on how to do it.
Students were hoping Rep. Kaufmann would come to the meeting to hear their concerns, but he did not attend.