Unfair to Harvard School

You have misportrayed the students, faculty and parents of Harvard School.

You said the opinion of Westlake’s administration concerning Harvard boys was that they are “obnoxious.” If Westlake truly believed this, they would certainly halt the proposed merger. After all, both Harvard and Westlake Schools exist to benefit the students.

You also pointed out that Harvard Headmaster Thomas Hudnut was a member of an exclusive, all-male club in the District of Columbia. The fact that the club has since changed its policies about admitting women shows that men and women are breaking traditions in order to work together in our ever-changing society. Like a club changing its admission policies, the merger of Harvard and Westlake Schools is meant to preserve and enhance the heritages of both schools, to the benefit of all the students.

Also of great concern was your mention that the Harvard-Westlake School may need zoning changes and/or conditional-use permits and that a Westlake father sits on the city Planning Commission, while a Harvard father serves on the Board of Zoning Appeals. If, by this snide remark, you are suggesting that Harvard and Westlake Schools use political influence to gain flavors, I would like to hear about it. But until you have facts stating so, please do not bad-mouth two fine institutions.

MATT JACOBS

Beverly Hills