Rectifying Gender Inequalities at the University of California

* As we read the article by Morris Hirsch (“There Are Solutions for Women’s Lack of Advancement at UC,” May 1) on the University of California and its lack of hiring and/or advancing of females within the system, we were appalled.

The University of California is an institution largely supported with our tax dollars, and they choose to spend these financial resources on lawsuits because female faculty find the only way for equal justice is through the judiciary system. This is a ridiculous waste of the university’s money at any time, but with the increase in student fees, it is even more ridiculous.

How can the university justify, first, the poor hiring/promoting practices with regard to the female faculty and, secondly, the absolute squander of taxpayers’ dollars to finance these misdirected lawsuits? The university must be held accountable to the people of California!

MARILYN and ANGELO VASSOS

Irvine

* The “Commentary on Discrimination” was a real eye-opener. I would like to praise Prof. Hirsch’s suggestion that the UCI chancellor appoint a blue ribbon committee of distinguished, impartial scholars whose purpose would be to investigate cases of alleged discrimination and make recommendations based solely upon qualifications, rather than gender as in the past.

I would urge Chancellor Laurel Wilkening to act quickly as this is a problem that has existed far too long and cost the UC system, its students and the California taxpayers dearly.

DAWN M. DENSBERGER

Huntington Beach

* Recent stories about the departures/resignations of top UC Irvine officials may be misconstrued.

There is no connection between the resignations of Vice Chancellors Anne Spence and Kathy Jones.

In both cases, their decisions were determined by either professional or personal reasons--not because UCI is unfair to women.

As Chancellor Laurel Wilkening states, it is unfortunate that both of these resignations have come at the same time.

However, to imply that their gender is in some way connected with these resignations is misleading and inaccurate. Rather, UCI has been proactive in appointing women to top academic positions, including the chancellor, the dean of biological sciences and the executive director of the UCI Medical Center.

The issue of gender equality is an important one on our campus. Chancellor Wilkening has made it clear to the faculty that rectifying gender inequalities both at UCI and throughout the entire UC system is a high priority of hers, but that it will take time.

For UCI to successfully navigate these difficult times and fulfill its missions in education, research and community service/partnering, all of us (faculty, students, employees and community leaders) need to work together.

MICHAEL W. BERNS, Ph.D.

Director

Beckman Laser Institute

and Medical Clinic

FRANK MEYSKENS, M.D.

Director

UC Irvine Clinical Cancer Center