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.

The 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