Controversy Over Hubbard Textbooks

Re “State Seeks Delicate Balance in Approving Books for Schools,” Aug. 1: I’ve read some of the educational books written by or associated with L. Ron Hubbard, and to be honest, they do not have any overt promotion of Scientology. They are, for the most part, just based on common sense, which most educators know instinctively.

Scientologists, of course, want these texts included in public schools because this validates Hubbard’s name and prestige. Opponents opposed this for the same reason. But let’s be honest--wouldn’t there be an outcry if textbooks written by the pope were being used in public schools, even if they had no overt religious content?

There are plenty of excellent texts on the market. Public schools should steer clear of any with such an obvious agenda.

STEPHEN MILLS

Glendale

The Times missed a bet on something that offers real hope for L.A. school students. You criticized a teacher’s use of public funds to purchase textbooks on how to study written by Hubbard (editorial, July 25). The Times stated that this violated the separation of church and state.

I challenge The Times to read the books in question and find one sentence that expresses a religious belief. Rather, The Times would find simple rules that enable a person to study any subject and apply the data in life.

RALPH KOTTKE

Studio City

It is understandable that the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education should be concerned about the separation of church and state when it comes to the taxpayers supporting a public school with a religious agenda. However, several members of the school board and the media seem to be jumping to an erroneous conclusion that this proposed charter school will be some front for Scientology religious training.

As a parent of two children who attend a school that uses the study techniques developed by Hubbard, I have not seen or heard of one instance of any parent or student being talked to about Scientology. What I have seen is my kids learning the basics, reading well and loving it and generally doing very well in school. Maybe school board members should look a little closer before they make any final decision.

JOHN MILLSAP

Tujunga

The Scientologists would like to be a religion so as not to pay taxes but would like not to be a religion so they can get federal funds for education.

JOHN WILCOCK

Topanga