Letters: UC leadership should resign after handing over names

"As the UC system asks its supporters to "stand up" against the federal government's demand for $1 billion from UCLA, it throws 160 of its own under the bus. In a cynical act of self-service, UC's leadership has given the names of those who practiced free speech, endangering their lives and livelihoods. As a Berkeley alum, I am appalled by this decision."

"CalPERS is heavily invested in private equity (over 17% of its portfolio), and it reports a healthy 11.3% return. But all too often, private equity thrives by raising prices or pushing unnecessary services. That is especially true of its substantial involvement in health care facilities and medical practices. Because private equity firms enforce silence on their investors, it is impossible to know how much CalPERS invests directly or indirectly in health care, but it's probably substantial."

UC leadership provided names of students and staff to federal authorities while seeking support against a federal demand, exposing those individuals to personal and professional risk. The action affected 160 people and prompted calls for resignation or removal of the regents, president and senior council. CalPERS holds over 17% of its portfolio in private equity and reported an 11.3% return. Private equity involvement in health care is associated with higher patient costs—up to 32% in some studies—and increased fees at physician practices. Pension returns can therefore derive from higher health-care expenses borne by pensioners and non-pensioners alike.

Read at The Mercury News