I want to comment on a few quotes in the Feb. 4 edition of the Northern Star attributed to Morris White, assistant athletic director for marketing and game experience.

White seems to blame students for why Athletics’ promotional campaign offering students the possibility to win free tuition in exchange for football attendance fell flat.

“Having 6,000 students come to a game isn’t asking too much,” White is quoted as saying.

As an academic adviser, a few things came to mind when I read the article.

We have students who work two jobs to make ends meet. We have students who are parents of young children. We have students who can barely afford to buy the gas they need to drive to campus. We have students who are homeless.

While it may not seem like it’s “asking too much” to attend a game, for many, it is. In my office, I experience the entire range between heartbreak and inspiration. Let’s not blame students for missing arbitrary goals. Let’s support them with the resources and respect they deserve.