Letters: Art Institute responds: What we do has real value to students

YOUR negative portrayal of the Art Institute of Philadelphia

("Colleges that Profit, Students Who Don't," March 25)

is far outweighed by the successful and satisfactory experiences of more than 12,000 graduates.

For 40 years, the Art Institute has offered opportunities for students desiring degrees that can lead to rewarding careers in applied and creative arts. Unlike traditional colleges, we track and publish placement statistics. Most recent data shows 87.6 percent of all 2009 Art Institute graduates were working in a field related to their program of study within six months of graduation.

The maximum amount of federal loans is set by Congress for all institutions, public or private. We encourage students to borrow responsibly, requiring loan counseling and regular meetings with financial-aid officers so students have a thorough understanding of their obligation.

Michael DePrisco, President

The Art Institute of Philadelphia

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Chris Brown is a marginally talented fool who doesn't have one ounce of indigenous gratitude.

This pompous cheap knockoff of our "yester-greats" is gonna make the mistake of aggressing someone besides a lovely young woman or a window someday. And you know what? He's gonna get tuned up.

How dare Russell Simmons rally behind this thug. Is there nothing more important to loyalty than skin color? I'm a 68-year-old has-been with half a heart, lung and kidneys, but plenty left to tighten this punk up. Russell, no wonder Kimora walked!

Len Barry, Philadelphia

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If and when more than 1,000 alleged DUI drivers are acquitted because of an error in a breathalyzer calibration, could D.A. Williams or Police Commissioner Ramsey provide us notice so we can stay off the roads?

Mayer Krain, Philadelphia

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Philadelphia police are bullies with a badge and gun.

I've been called derogatory names just for being a witness to their bullying. I don't believe Officer DeCoatsworth is racist - he simply did what he did because he could.

I see that often, from cops holding up traffic by sitting in the middle of the street talking to other cops, to slapping a grown man across the face for standing outside a corner store, for no apparent reason.

This is where the mixed feelings stem from for Philadelphia police officers. I personally hate to see them coming - it causes tension in the law-abiding, even senior citizens.

How do they come up with their "profile" of a criminal or criminal activity?

S. Robinson, Philadelphia