Connerly’s Response to Students’ Criticism

Re “At UC, It Seems, Free Speech Isn’t Politically Correct,” Commentary, Feb. 21: Perhaps Ward Connerly and I did not read the same column written by the student presidents of the UC system (Commentary, Feb. 10). Yes, they disagreed with Connerly’s position on student preferences, but their letter focused almost exclusively on what they and many others felt was inappropriate behavior for a regent.

Connerly’s response focused on how he and his supporters were the moral compass of the state and that the vote validated his cause. Perhaps so. However, the students’ concern went directly to the point that he had blatantly used his position as a regent to engage in overt political activity. It is easy to see why he didn’t respond to those charges. His conduct was wrong and detrimental to the state and university.

DONALD A. LINDGREN

La Mesa

As a student at California State University, I think it important to publicly declare that the body of students who sent the open letter demanding Connerly’s resignation can’t possibly represent the majority of UC students. I strongly oppose affirmative action and support Prop. 209. These students are champions of hypocrisy, not cultural diversity. It appears that those who “dare to disagree” with their stance are not found worthy of moral decisions or public service.

RON NORDYKE

Thousand Oaks

As a student in the University of California system (and one of the people to whom the university belongs) I found Connerly’s article troubling. He urged student leaders to become comfortable with the fact that a majority of people in the state supported Prop. 209 and the “race-neutral principle” for which it stands. I am curious how Connerly thinks that this race-neutral principle will play out when put into practice. Will it work the same way that the principle “all men are created equal” has worked?

It is folly to suggest that somehow Californians have risen above discrimination based on race and gender and that minority groups will not be affected by the passage of Prop. 209. Discrimination is built into the structure of our society and we need programs like affirmative action to ensure that minorities are given equal opportunity. I would think that glancing through a history book would demonstrate to Connerly that the majority is not always correct. Prop. 209 gambles on a principle for which the people are unprepared.

SENYA L. HERRON

Upland