In response to the March 17 article "Students urged to rethink lifestyles," it was wonderful to see that Penn State students are actively promoting a compassionate vegan lifestyle on campus.
With more and more people becoming educated about the ways that animals suffer when raised and killed for food, there is an increasing demand for delicious and cruelty-free meals.
In fact, a recent study by Aramark, a leading food service provider, concluded that nearly a quarter of college students are actively seeking out vegan options when they sit down to eat, for reasons ranging from their own health, to environmental concerns and, of course, cruelty to animals.
Students are understandably horrified when they discover that chickens on factory farms often have their beaks sliced off with blades, or that many cows and pigs are skinned and dismembered while they're still fully conscious. If these kinds of abuses were inflicted upon cats or dogs, it would result in felony cruelty to animals charges.
Thankfully, delicious dishes, such as those being distributed at the students' event, are widely available.
With grocery stores carrying a variety of meat-free products, including veggie BBQ "riblets" and vegan pizza, it's never been easier to cut cruelty out of your diet for good.
Ryan Huling
college campaign coordinator, peta2.com
Norfolk, Va.
