Affirmative Action

What an excellently written story on racial bias (Nov. 3). The struggles and discrimination that Willie Boyd and his co-workers experienced brought back remembrances of my own similar hardships. Society owes endless gratitude to him and others who had the resolve and strength to stand up for what is fair and just.

As a child of affirmative action I am saddened that much still needs to be accomplished. Institutions must not lose sight of men and women whose performance is highly effective but lack recognized higher educational degrees, certificates or diplomas. The needs of society are too great and the loss too devastating to wait for years of academic training to produce individuals with appropriate credentials.

Affirmative action’s salvation in the workplace rests with successfully implementing the rules of the past and monitoring their effectiveness.

ROBERT A. BELTRAN, Simi Valley