Cal State Trustee Credentials, Chancellor’s Salary Increase

As a professor in the California State University system since 1963 and the recipient of the statewide trustee’s “Outstanding Professor Award” in 1967, I am appalled on several levels by the revelation (Part A, Dec. 20) that Marianthi Lansdale, chairwoman of the CSU board of trustees, falsified her claim to have a 2-year community college degree, and reportedly said that she “doesn’t care” that she misstated her educational background.

First, why are apparently unqualified people who make large campaign donations to the governor rewarded with this kind of important appointment? The second and more disconcerting aspect of this unethical situation is the response of CSU Chancellor W. Ann Reynolds, who reportedly said the misrepresentations by Lansdale “do not bother me.” The behavior and responses of these two people cheapen the value of the CSU degrees sought after and achieved by over one million excellent students since 1960.

LEWIS YABLONSKY

Cal State Northridge