College Entry

Re: “Merit Only” College Entry Proposal (Dec. 9):

Notwithstanding the charts, tables, reports, studies and other hype presented in defense, the disproportionate number of outstanding Asian-Americans who have been turned away from certain California public universities and professional schools reinforces my belief that de facto discrimination in admissions practices is indeed going on in these institutions.

The purpose of affirmative action is to help those minority students not proportionately represented on the campuses better their academic performance so they can gain admission to our institutions of higher learning. The intent is not to permit quotas to override other criteria. Asian-Americans value learning and are willing to work hard. America has much to gain if their pursuit of excellence is rewarded. The Bakke ruling reaffirmed merit as a determining criterion in judging admissibility to a UC medical school. The Olympic gold is awarded only for excellence. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher is to be complimented for his wisdom in sponsoring a congressional resolution which speaks to this inequity. The purpose of our institutions of higher learning is to pursue the truth. And excellence.

U KYAW WIN

Laguna Hills