Public Policies

Richard Rodriguez (Commentary, Nov. 7) creates a false dichotomy between affirmative action and programs to aid the economically disadvantaged. These are not mutually exclusive public policies. Admissions policies at UC campuses that gave points to underrepresented minorities also gave points for economic disad- vantage.

Rodriguez overlooks the fact that affirmative action is not and was not an anti-poverty program. Affirmative action was a response to discrimination on the basis of race. This discrimination frequently does not distinguish between a black or Latino who is middle class and one who is not.

Finally, America does have writers of the stature of D.H. Lawrence who describes what it is like to be poor. Has Rodriguez ever heard of John Steinbeck?

CECILIA A. CONRAD

Claremont