Increase in UC Student Fees

In response to David Glidden’s article: “UC Could Use Its Fiscal Crisis to Set Right Its ‘Tyrannical Machine’,” (Opinion, Feb. 24):

Glidden should not assume that “everyone who needs remedial writing or math has no business taking U.C. classes” and that if they do, they will receive bad grades that will haunt them throughout their academic career. These are outrageous and dangerous statements to make.

I know such accusations are untrue because I was one of those students admitted to the university in 1970 who needed remedial writing. I was a bright student but I did not get the education that I needed in high school to prepare me for college because of lack of funds. Therefore, I had some catching up to do. But, it only took one writing class and one quarter in college to get over my initial handicap. What a small price to pay for qualified students who will stay in school. I graduated in 1974 magna cum laude and went on to two years of graduate work at UCLA.

Ironically, most of the jobs that I have had as an adult have been as a writer and/or as an editor. Thank God that the University of California recognized my potential.

I sincerely hope that the university can find a way to alleviate its financial problems without turning to such well-meaning people as Glidden for advice. ELLEN SILVERSTEIN-VIOLETTE

Los Angeles