Ward Connerly

Re “Connerly Betrays His Post as a Regent,” Commentary, Feb. 10:

Applause, applause to the principled and concerned student association presidents of the University of California campuses calling for the resignation of Regent Ward Connerly. As an alumnus of UC, I would wholeheartedly agree that there be a system in place to remove those regents who act on behalf of their own self-interests. Connerly has betrayed the principles of his office, the taxpayers of California and the supreme efforts (and better judgment) of the administration, faculty and student body.

DAVID G. CARPENTER

Los Angeles

The authors are very sneaky, indeed. Connerly not only has a right but a duty as a regent to advocate whatever changes he believes are necessary to improve the quality of UC system education. The affirmative action policy at the UC system has been criticized not only by Connerly. Many teachers and students see plenty of arguments to want it out. It was voted out by the regents, not Connerly alone.

As an individual Connerly has a right to lead a campaign for Prop. 209. Many prominent people have supported or initiated social and political campaigns and it is never a problem unless a critic considers the issue immoral or hurtful. And here we come to the truth of the matter. The 14 signatories do not have any ground unless they believe Prop. 209 is wrong. I am pretty sure that if Connerly were in charge of a pro-affirmative action campaign, the authors would have no problem with his involvement.

URSZULA OLEKSYN

Fullerton

The commentary is absolutely accurate, but misses one major point. One significant reason that we have UC regents and trustees of the California State University system on occasion exploiting their position is that the people serving on these two boards are usually political appointees, often chosen on the basis of their contributions to party politics. How that qualifies anyone to provide guidance to major educational systems is not at all obvious, since the qualities that make for good party politics do not seem connected to the knowledge and dedication that would make a good regent or trustee.

Perhaps it is time to call for election of both regents and trustees.

RICHARD C. RICHARDS