USC’s Image

Re “Theft of Band Instruments Intensifies Disharmony Between Rivals UCLA and USC,” Nov. 17:

Shame on USC and in particular senior Jason Mangan, who proudly proclaims that “arrogance is part of the image we exude.” In recent years USC has proudly publicized the improved academic achievement and hard-won scholarships of its students. An episode like this band fiasco with UCLA swiftly erases all of USC’s efforts to modify the perception of USC students as spoiled, mean-spirited, rich kids majoring in “partying” and pranks.

No doubt many USC alumni and current student body members are as appalled as I am at the patent homophobia and bigotry this episode reflects. USC would be wise to counsel students that a little more modesty and less smugness would help eliminate the haughty party-school yoke that USC has been burdened with for years and has made tremendous strides to cast off.

MARCEE MIONI

Beverly Hills