Stanford’s Overcharges

Stanford University charging the federal government with outlandish billings does not reflect well on the university or higher education. Charging American taxpayers for enlarging the university president’s bed, installing cedar-lined closets, charging flowers at a ceremony at the campus’ horse stables, refurbishing a grand piano, charging for luxury equipment on the university yacht and charging for racing sculls and other athletic equipment are hard to comprehend.

If Stanford’s Kennedy and university officials continue to stonewall the investigating committee and auditors, the high-living and extravagant board of trustees should try to take matters in hand. If not, then major Stanford donors should withdraw financial support until Stanford officials cooperate and reimburse the federal government for all of the overcharges.

ROBERT GOUDY, Laguna Niguel