Submit your letter to the publisher via this form. Read more letters to the publisher.
The state must get up
For higher education
Re: “Faculty, Trump critical students” (page A1, April 18).
I was interested in reading on the demonstrations across the state in colleges, including my school, San Jose State University. As a student, it is scary to see our academic freedom and our funding becomes uncertain due to politics.
Students are already faced with increasing tuition fees and limited resources, while having to pay their own tuition fees and invoices. Federal threats to reduce funding increases student financial stress. Our freedom of expression, as well as research and learning resources, are limited.
I urge Governor Newsom and our State to reject these actions by the federal government and to increase support for public universities. We have to stick with students and teachers to restaurant funding and defend diversity programs.
Our education is at stake. If we do not act now, we will see many changes that will affect us.
Emmett Bringas
San Jose
San Jose Unified must
increase transparency
The unified school district of San Jose holds a special election on May 6 to maintain a tax on parcels, but as those who follow their meetings know it, they are also categorical to maintain a toxic status quo which distances students and staff.
The district largely rejected the conclusions of the recent report of the Grand Civil Jury, “drifting management”. Before voting yes this election, put pressure on the district to commit you to reform. In 2025, the largest district of the capital of Silicon Valley should disseminate and record its meetings. The public, who risks reprisals to speak, should be authorized to speak and the public should be authorized to applaud. Global transparency, collaboration and public reactivity should be increased significantly. As a community, we must insist on better if we want real improvements for students and staff and the most effective use of our taxes.
Defend teachers. Defend students. Defend public education.
Chris Webb
San Jose
The pope saw peace
in the two -state plan
Re: “To honor Pope Francis, collect the Peace Coat” (page A6, April 23).
The letter of April 23 of Sameena Usman only partially noted the views of the fire the Pope on the Israeli-Palestinian situation.
While it was exact that the pope still supported Palestinian rights, she omitted that he had done so when he reaffirmed the right of Israel to exist. Pope Francis was firmly engaged in a peaceful solution to two states where the Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in dignity and peace. Obviously, the attack on October 7 flew to this goal. The Palestinians and their defenders must stop their story “from the river to the sea”, to put their arms and to live in peace – which defenders on all sides should endeavor.
Until then, Pope Francis’ prayers for significant peace on two sides in the Middle East will be unanswered.
Teri Kane
San Jose
Political diatribes have
No room in schools
Re: “State officials discover prejudice against Jewish students in 2 districts” (page A1, April 18).
Branham High School discriminated against Jewish students by allowing teachers to display slides asking questions like: “Is Israel a colonial state of settlers?” And “If so, what does that mean for us in terms of who to support?”
Aside from the defective grammar, none of these “questions” belongs to a balanced apolitical ethnic study program. The questions were purely political and targeted a subset of the student population (Jewish students who are Zionists).
Recent commentators said that it was essentially “too bad” that Branham teachers “made Jewish students uncomfortable”, but it is misleading and incorrect. The conduct of the teachers in question was manifestly political. The subject was not linked to the “ethnic studies” of anyone, even of the Palestinians.
Nora Rousso
Los gatos
Republicans must
Break with Magi Party
The Republican Party has firmly generated the beliefs that include: balanced budgets; reduction in deficit; limited government; States’ rights; and solid anti-communism. None of this is part of the agenda of the current administration.
Republicans who always believe in republicanism must find or create a new party. In the meantime, plan to join the self -employed and centrist democrats to rid our country with a scourge with the intention of destroying all the standards of a civil and democratic society.
Eugene Ely
San Jose
Simple plan promises
cleaner, Green SJ
I plead for my city to install more public trash cans and recycling stations in parks and in animated streets.
The litter is a growing problem in our community, and the options of the disposal of accessible waste would encourage residents and visitors to eliminate waste in a responsible manner. This small change could considerably reduce pollution, improve public spaces and promote environmental awareness.
I urge local leaders to prioritize this initiative for a cleaner and greener San Jose.
Jason Morales
San Jose
California Daily Newspapers
