The university’s refusal to allow MSU to be represented in the upcoming sequel to “American Pie” is understandable.

Universal Studios sought permission to represent MSU in “Secret Disguise,” the sequel to “American Pie,” earlier this year. The university refused permission stating, “It was a classroom setting that was not deemed appropriate or reflective of our classrooms or our students.”

“American Pie,” released in summer 1999, told the story of four high school boys and their attempts to lose their virginity by prom night. It took place in the fictional city Great Falls which was based on East Grand Rapids, Mich., and included references to MSU. The film grossed $230 million worldwide.

The sequel also will take place in Michigan in a town based on Grand Haven, called Grand Harbor. The characters spend time in a rented house on Lake Michigan during the summer after their first year of college. It is slated to be released this summer.

The scene in question depicts Steve Stifler, played by Seann William Scott, and Chris “Oz” Ostreicher, played by Chris Klein, now as students at MSU, discussing sex in an MSU lecture hall. The dialogue frequently uses obscene language.

The script also includes a scene at the University of Michigan. The dialogue there, however, is more academically oriented. U-M also denied the studio permission to use its name and logos.

While this depiction of the university is not incredibly devastating, it could still be damaging. Students at MSU are not only using vulgar language, they are discussing a sensitive subject in a harsh way. This gives viewers the impression many MSU students act this way.

With the riots recently, the last thing MSU needs is a stereotype as reflected in the film. While a scene in the film is minimal, it is still a negative reflection of the university.

It is also a concern because of the difference between the depictions of the Michigan colleges. MSU students discuss sex, Michigan students talk about classes. This helps feed the stereotype that Michigan is academically superior to MSU.

The target audience of the movie also is a big factor. Many high school-age kids will see this movie. Those who are considering going to MSU may get a false sense of what the university is like.

The university and the movie studio are not losing anything significant with the MSU exclusion. While the university might have gotten some good publicity from it, most likely, the attention wouldn’t have been positive. The movie can still make generic references to MSU without losing much of the flavor of the script.

While MSU was positively represented in the last movie, the portrayal in the “American Pie” sequel is not as favorable. Considering the popularity of the first movie, the film is likely to attract a lot of attention and the university shouldn’t be part of it.

While the representation of MSU in “Secret Disguise” is far from the most detrimental thing that could happen to the university, the negative portrayal is not something MSU should attach itself to.