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Long Beach City College Set To Hire Racy Musician As VP Of Academic Affairs

LONG BEACH (CBS) — The hiring of Vice President of Academic Affairs at Long Beach City College raised eyebrows Thursday since he resigned his previous post as President of Modesto Junior College amidst controversy over his band's lyrics.

In addition to his academic career, Loewenstein is the lead singer and songwriter for the Gaither Drake Band. He received flak leading to his resignation when a web site containing more than 100 of his songs was discovered and made public, according to The Modesto Bee, which reported on the story last year.

Loewenstein's lyrics reportedly contain expletives and cover provocative topics such as sex, drugs, and the holocaust.

A track entitled "Dysfunctional Family Xmas" says, "We'll go broke and snort some coke as the holiday grows near."

Another song, "Dear Amtrak," is composed of lyrics such as, "Your railroad is the [expletive]. They got better service on the way to Auschwitz."

Though Loewenstein's web site was taken down in 2011, many of his songs are still available via other internet sources.

Students at LBCC voiced their opinions on campus Thursday.

"He's coming to a profession that requires, let's say like a professional image," said Monica Ruiz. "Yet you write this."

Long Beach City College released a statement Thursday announcing Loewenstein's hire. The statement mentioned highlights of Loewenstein's 30-year career, but did not make note of last year's controversy.

His hire is not official until approved by the school's Board of Trustees next week.

Loewenstein is expected to assume his new position March 1.

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