Educator’s View Appreciated

I thoroughly enjoyed your “In Person” feature on Ron Wilson of UC Irvine (“Uphill Fight Against Barriers of Race, Gender,” April 22). It is delightful for The Times’ readers to receive a point of view from a professional’s perspective regarding the affirmative action issue. Certainly we have read a great deal in the paper about and from the politicians’ point of view, and this was a welcome change.

Wilson’s viewpoint exhibits the care and concern that he feels for students. It has been my pleasure to meet and to chat with Wilson recently at a UCI symposium at which my son, a senior at the university, was a participant. It is clear that Wilson is an advocate for all students, regardless of gender and/or race. He appears to be a man who is able to look at emotional issues with objectivity, and to work toward the best scenario for everyone. Students of all races respect and like Wilson, and most importantly feel he is there for them if they ask for his help.

Thank you for featuring this fine educator in your article, and for sharing his point of view with the public. By doing so you have broadened the readers’ understanding of a controversial topic, and have exposed us to the objectivity of an individual who deserves to be heard.

LINDA MAYEDA

Irvine