I can't comment on some of the things posted on here, but I really do not appreciate some of the things you are saying about a city where I have lived for 33 years.
I have not been beaten, robbed, "rolled in the gutters", nor anything like that.
New Orleans is a BIG "small" city. It attracts THOUSANDS of tourists weekly. Becuase of that, bad people use the oppurtunity to take advantage of good people. These people tend to pick on someone that they feel they have the upper hand on. That's why it's always best to travel in groups, especially when making the rounds during Mardi Gras, or any other party time.
I've been throughout the United States, and EVERY city has some kind of problem. Want to know the city with one of the largest population of prescription drug abusers?? Salt Lake City - right in the heart of Mormon country.
Sorry for the rant, but New Orleans is not as bad as some are making it out to be. Take a strong look at any College city, and each has their own issue. Good luck to all of your sons, regardless of where they choose to attend.