Mrs. Rita Gaddi-Baltazar’s former classmates at St. Theresa’s College have denounced her for "brazenly mouthing what she, in her heart, knew were lies" (MALAYA, Feb. 28) and accused her of violating the Theresian tradition of truth and justice.

What Mrs. Baltazar’s classmates do not (and perhaps will not) recognize is that Mrs. Baltazar’s behavior represents the darker side of Theresian education -- that one cannot be true to the Theresian tradition unless she is wealthy . . . and never mind how that wealth was obtained.

Most Theresians are wealthy to begin with and the nuns have understandably pointed out that a privileged social status imposes certain obligations to the larger community. But hardly any one asks students the embarrassing question, "Does your father make his money through moral means?"

Taught not to question where the money came from but to use that wealth for "doing good," too many Theresians believe that they are entitled to be wealthy and feel no guilt over the ill-gotten gains of their parents and husbands. But they ooze with the milk of human kindness and throw themselves and their money into a variety of good causes (even radical ones -- witness Teresa Makabayan).

A Theresian education has never aimed at producing a gaggle of parlor pinks, but too often, this is the unfortunate result.

Before condemning Mrs. Baltazar for her total disregard for the morals of her profession, her sanctimonious classmates should examine their own conscience and ask themselves whether the money they spend is earned by their parents and/or husbands in ways more honorable than the way Mrs. Baltazar earns hers.
 

CARLOTA SALVADOR