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State must stand up for higher education
Re: “Faculty, students critical of Trump” (Page A1, April 18).
I was interested in reading about the statewide protests at colleges, including my school, San Jose State University. As a college student, it’s scary to watch our academic freedom and funding become uncertain due to politics.
Students already face rising tuition and limited resources, while often having to pay their own tuition and bills. Federal threats to cut funding increase the financial stress on students. Our freedom of speech, as well as research and learning resources, are being limited.
I urge Gov. Newsom and our state to reject these actions by the federal government and increase support for public universities. We should stand with students and faculty by restoring funding and defending diversity programs.
Our education is on the line. If we don’t take action now, we will see many changes that will impact us.
Emmett Bringas San Jose
San Jose Unified must increase transparency
San Jose Unified School District is holding a special election May 6 to maintain a parcel tax, but as those following their meetings know, they are also adamant about maintaining a toxic status quo that drives students and staff away.
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Letters: We must stand up and support our libraries Letters: To honor Pope Francis’ life, pick up mantle of peace Letters: Climate legislation offers hope against disaster Letters: From the darkness of war came a glimmer of hope Letters: Kamala Harris and others will be judged by courageThe district largely dismissed the findings of the recent Civil Grand Jury report, “Leadership Adrift.” Before you vote yes this election, pressure the district to commit to reform. In 2025, the biggest district in the capital of Silicon Valley should stream and video record its meetings. The public, who risk retaliation for speaking, should be permitted to speak, and the audience should be permitted to clap. Overall transparency, collaboration and public responsiveness levels should be raised significantly. As a community, we must insist on better if we want real improvements for students and staff and the most efficient use of our tax dollars.
Defend teachers. Defend students. Defend public education.
Chris Webb San Jose
Pope saw peace in two-state plan
Re: “To honor Pope Francis, pick up mantle of peace” (Page A6, April 23).
Sameena Usman’s April 23 letter only partially noted the late pope’s views of the Israeli-Palestinian situation.
While she was accurate that the pope always supported Palestinian rights, she omitted that he did so as he reaffirmed Israel’s right to exist. Pope Francis was steadfastly committed to a peaceable two-state solution where the Palestinians and Israelis live side by side in dignity and peace. Obviously, the Oct. 7 attack flew in the face of that goal. Palestinians and their advocates need to stop their “from the river to the sea” narrative, put down their arms and actually live in peace — something advocates from all sides should strive for.
Until then, Pope Francis’ prayers for a meaningful two-sided peace in the Middle East will go unanswered.
Teri Kane San Jose
Political diatribes have no place in schools
Re: “State officials uncover bias against Jewish students in 2 districts” (Page A1, April 18).
Branham High School discriminated against Jewish students by permitting teachers to display slides asking questions like: “Is Israel a settler colonial state?” and “if so, what does that mean for us in terms of who to support?”
Faulty grammar aside, neither one of these “questions” belongs in a balanced, apolitical ethnic studies curriculum. The questions were purely political and targeted a subset of the student population (Jewish students who are Zionist).
Recent commentators stated that it was basically “too bad” that the Branham teachers “made Jewish students uncomfortable,” but that is misleading and incorrect. The conduct of the teachers in question was blatantly political. The subject matter was not related to “ethnic studies” of anyone, even Palestinians.
Nora Rousso Los Gatos
Republicans must break with MAGA party
The Republican Party has for generations held firmly to beliefs that include: balanced budgets; deficit reduction; limited government; states’ rights; and staunch anti-communism. None of this is part of the agenda in the current administration.
Republicans who still believe in Republicanism need to find or create a new party. In the meantime, consider joining with Independents and centrist Democrats to rid our country of a scourge intent on destroying all norms of a civil, democratic society.
Eugene Ely San Jose
Simple plan promises cleaner, greener S.J.
I’m advocating for my town to install more public trash bins and recycling stations in parks and on busy streets.
Litter is a growing issue in our community, and accessible waste disposal options would encourage residents and visitors to dispose of trash responsibly. This small change could significantly reduce pollution, improve public spaces and promote environmental awareness.
I urge local leaders to prioritize this initiative for a cleaner, greener San Jose.
Jason Morales San Jose
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