April 5, 2002

Collecting Letters of Recommendation: Can This Process Be Saved?

To the Editor:

Deirdre McCloskey's essay, "The Random Insanity of Letters of Recommendation" (The Review, March 1), touches upon an important issue -- namely, the integrity of the process of evaluating candidates either for a first appointment or for promotion or tenure. She identifies some of the corrupting forces: Letters can be made available ... to the candidate, leaving the author open to retribution or legal action. Some chairmen, deans, and departments tend to hire people with