Suspension of LSU Professor Ken Levy Ignites Controversy
A major legal and academic controversy involving Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry and LSU law professor Ken Levy recently unfolded. On January 14, 2025, during a class session, Professor Levy criticized Governor Landry’s actions regarding another LSU professor and shared his views on former President Donald Trump.
Following these remarks, Levy was suspended from teaching, prompting him to file a lawsuit against the university for violating his right to free speech.
A district judge initially ruled in Levy’s favor, ordering LSU to reinstate him. However, on February 4, 2025, the 1st Circuit Court of Appeal overturned the decision, stating that it was premature to mandate Levy’s reinstatement. Despite this, the court ruled that LSU must not violate Levy’s constitutionally protected free speech or due process rights.
On social media, Governor Landry publicly questioned the appropriateness of Levy’s language and behavior in an academic setting. He stated:
“No judge would put up with this behavior in their courtroom or any legal professional setting. That should not be tolerated at our taxpayer-funded universities, either.”
Governor Jeff Landry: Background
Jeff Landry, a Republican, has served as the Governor of Louisiana since January 2024. Before becoming governor, he was the Louisiana Attorney General from 2016 to 2024 and a U.S. Representative for Louisiana’s 3rd congressional district from 2011 to 2013.
Throughout his political career, Landry has been known for his conservative stance on various issues, including criminal justice and education policies.
Recent Moves from Governor Landry
Over the past few months, Governor Landry has been actively working on several key initiatives:
Broadband Expansion
- On January 13, 2025, Landry announced that Louisiana became the first state to secure federal approval for its plan to deploy $1.355 billion in Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) funding through the state’s GUMBO 2.0 program.
Winter Weather Preparedness
- In anticipation of severe winter weather, Governor Landry issued a State of Emergency on January 18, 2025, to ensure residents were prepared and protected.
Energy Security
- As the Chairman of the Governors’ Coalition for Energy Security, Landry has been vocal about his concerns over federal energy policies.
- On December 18, 2024, he challenged the Department of Energy’s new liquefied natural gas (LNG) export study, emphasizing the importance of energy security for Louisiana.
FAQ
What led to Professor Ken Levy’s suspension at LSU?
Professor Levy was suspended after he criticized Governor Jeff Landry and former President Donald Trump during a lecture on January 14, 2025. His comments led to his removal from teaching duties, which resulted in a lawsuit against LSU.
How has Governor Landry responded to the controversy involving Professor Levy?
Governor Landry responded via social media, asserting that Levy’s remarks and conduct were inappropriate for an academic setting—particularly at a taxpayer-funded university.
What are some of Governor Landry’s recent initiatives?
Recently, Governor Landry has:
- Announced $1.355 billion in broadband funding for Louisiana.
- Issued a State of Emergency ahead of winter weather.
- Challenged federal energy policies as part of his Governors’ Coalition for Energy Security.
Engage with Us
We invite our readers to share their thoughts on Governor Jeff Landry’s recent actions and the ongoing situation at LSU.
➡️ How do you feel about the balance between free speech and professional conduct in academic settings?
Join the conversation by leaving a comment below or sharing this article on social media!
