Opinion: What did USC higher-ups know about their med school dean and when did they know it?

To the editor: We have seen this movie before. Something bad happens, the USC higher-ups learn about it, they do nothing about it, then they deny they knew about it when it comes to light. (Re: “USC to probe case of former dean,” July 22)

The Times investigation certainly suggests that the USC president was informed of Dr. Carmen Puliafito’s drug problem in 2016.

USC appointed a special investigator, who happens to have been a former employee, to look into it. Will it be a thorough investigation or a whitewash? Who knows? Stay tuned.

But the trustees better get involved now rather than allow the likely subjects of the investigation to be in charge, or else the school’s reputation for condoning bad behavior, stonewalling and covering up will only get worse.

Robert Johnson, Pasadena

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To the editor: To the casual reader, it may be easy to assume that USC has hired a disinterested investigator.

The article says Debra Wong Yang’s “profile page on the Gibson Dunn website says she has worked as an adjunct professor for USC’s law school.”

Given that even the president of the university is under a cloud of doubt as to the handling of this case, a truly independent investigator is warranted.

William K. Solberg, Los Angeles

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To the editor: Your article says: “In a separate letter to the faculty, Provost Michael W. Quick said the university had just learned about ‘egregious behavior on the part of the former dean concerning substance abuse activities with people who aren’t affiliated with USC.’”

Would it be tolerable if the activities took place with people associated with USC?

Norm Kresge, Las Vegas

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To the editor: My reaction to your article: a pathetically anemic and heartless response — way too little, way too late — from the way too out of touch USC president who offered his version of “I’m shocked, shocked to find that gambling is going on in here.”

To say “We are outraged and disgusted by this individual’s behavior” is disingenuous.

I think the only things that outrage Max Nikias are that The Times did an excellent job and Nikias’ office was caught red-handed not exploring further the Pasadena hotel incident. Nikias’ statement is only slightly less jaw-dropping than his judgment.

Marjorie Blatt, Beverly Hills

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