Community Outrage Erupts Over Lewis’s Removal

BATON ROUGE, La. — The removal of Commissioner Devante Lewis as vice chairman of the Louisiana Public Service Commission (PSC) has ignited fierce backlash, with community leaders, advocacy groups, and citizens condemning the action as a politically motivated and racially charged attack on a young, Black leader.

At the PSC meeting Wednesday, protesters expressed their outrage, calling the vote a blatant attempt to silence an outspoken, Black commissioner who had challenged the status quo and pushed for more accountability.

“This is an attempt to eliminate a Black voice that has dared to speak truth to power,” said Alfreda Tillman Bester, vice chair of 10,000 Women Louisiana. “The people elected Commissioner Lewis to represent them, and now this commission has removed him for doing his job — standing up for his constituents.”

Organizations like Together Louisiana, the NAACP, and the Louisiana Progressive Coalition issued pointed statements denouncing the PSC’s actions. They argued that the commission should focus on its real responsibilities — such as lowering utility bills — rather than engaging in overt political retaliation.

“This is not about decorum, this is about silencing someone who dares to criticize the powerful,” one protester shouted from the audience. “If you’re young, Black, and vocal in Louisiana, you’re punished for it.”

Outside the PSC building, demonstrators carried signs reading “Hands Off Our Commissioner” and “Stop the Political Games,” with many claiming the removal was racially motivated.

“The people of Louisiana deserve better,” said Melissa Flournoy of 10,000 Women. “This is a slap in the face to everyone who believes in justice and fairness.”

Motion to Remove Lewis Sparks Outrage

Chairman Mike Francis introduced the motion to replace Lewis with Commissioner Eric Skrmetta, citing Lewis’s social media posts, which were critical of Governor Jeff Landry. However, the specifics of those posts were not disclosed during the meeting, and many felt this omission was part of a larger effort to deflect from the real issue.

The motion ignited protests, with many arguing that Lewis’s First Amendment rights were being violated. Advocates pointed out that his social media activity, conducted outside of his official duties, should not be grounds for removing him from office, particularly not for making politically charged remarks.

“It is a dangerous precedent when a young, Black elected official is silenced for speaking out,” said Melissa Flournoy, former state legislator and board chair of 10,000 Women. “This is a blatant political hit job.”

Alfreda Tillman-Vester, vice chair of 10,000 Women Louisiana, echoed these sentiments, stating that the PSC should focus on everyday Louisianans' issues, such as lowering utility rates and regulating utility companies, instead of punishing those who hold them accountable.

“This is a commission that claims to serve the people, but instead, it’s using its power to intimidate and silence those who fight for justice,” she said.

Commissioners Clash Over Decision

While Commissioner Foster Campbell acknowledged the controversy surrounding Lewis’s posts, he expressed hesitation in supporting the motion, referencing previous instances of problematic behavior by other commissioners that had gone unpunished.

“I can’t vote to remove you, Commissioner Lewis, because I’ve seen far worse behavior from other commissioners with no consequences,” Campbell said. “This doesn’t sit right with me.”

However, the rest of the commission, led by Chairman Francis, pressed forward, with many arguing that Lewis’s social media activity had damaged the public image of the PSC. Public commenters, including members of the Louisiana Progressive Coalition, questioned the timing of the vote, suggesting it was politically motivated and an attempt to silence dissent — especially from a young, Black commissioner.

Final Vote: 3-2 in Favor of Schermetta

After hours of heated debate, the commission voted to replace Lewis with Commissioner Barrett Schermetta as vice chairman. The final vote was 3-2:

• Commissioner Foster Campbell – NO
• Commissioner Kusaw – YES
• Commissioner Devante Lewis – ABSTAIN (later changed to NO)
• Commissioner Barrett Schermetta – YES
• Chairman Mike Francis – YES

Despite the vote, the action against Lewis has left many in the community questioning the motives behind the removal. Critics argue that this is part of a broader trend in Louisiana where outspoken Black leaders are marginalized and silenced.

Lewis Stands His Ground

In the wake of the vote, Lewis delivered a defiant speech, drawing on the wisdom of his great-grandmother, Viola Roberson, as he condemned the actions of the commission and the double standards he had faced.

“It seems that if you’re young, Black, and vocal, you’re expected to stay in your place, do what you're told, and never speak truth to power,” Lewis said. “Well, I didn’t come here to stay silent, and I’m not going to start now.”

everyday Louisianans' issues

“If we’re going to hold people accountable for their actions, let’s be fair about it,” he said.

Though he was removed from his role as vice chairman, Lewis made it clear that he would continue to serve the people of Louisiana, particularly in his efforts to address the state’s energy infrastructure.

Schermetta Faces High Expectations

As Lewis steps down, Commissioner Skrmetta takes over with heightened expectations. His leadership will be closely scrutinized as the PSC faces challenges related to energy regulation, consumer protection, and the broader political climate in Louisiana.

The controversy surrounding Lewis’s removal is likely to fuel ongoing debate about race, power, and the limits of free speech in Louisiana’s political landscape. With the removal of a young, outspoken Black leader, the decision has sent shockwaves through the state. It will likely have long-lasting consequences for the PSC’s credibility and its relationship with the public.