School Board Prop. 187 Reaction Was Proper

* In a recent letter to the editor, the leader of the move to recall school board President Mark Slavkin continued his campaign of distortion and misinformation. I supported Proposition 187. I also support the Los Angeles Unified School District’s participation in the lawsuit to clarify Proposition 187.

The school district is participating in a single lawsuit brought by more than 600 California school boards. Had it not taken this action, it would have been sued by various interest groups, exposing it to millions of dollars in potential liability. By participating in the present suit, LAUSD avoids the potential liability and clarifies the exact extent to which Proposition 187 can be enforced. It was the only position a responsible public official could take.

Moreover, the district did not send home “propaganda.” It did advise parents of the potential fiscal impact of Proposition 187. After the passage, it also advised parents and students to continue attending school.

Mark Slavkin has taken enormous heat for his position, heat not deserved. While I differ with him on Proposition 187, he is absolutely correct in taking the action to clarify the exact extent of its enforceability. I only wish more politicians had the courage to confront obvious public disapproval and take the prudent actions necessary for the public interest.

DANIEL M. SHAPIRO

Los Angeles