LSU Students Protest Suspension of Law Professor Over Political Comments
The case has sparked a broader debate over free speech and academic freedom at LSU, drawing attention from students, faculty, and national organizations advocating for higher education rights.
BATON ROUGE, La. – Louisiana State University (LSU) students rallied Tuesday outside the Paul M. Hebert Law Center, demanding the reinstatement of Professor Ken Levy, who was suspended pending an investigation into alleged political remarks. The protest underscores growing concerns over academic freedom, free speech, and intellectual diversity on college campuses.
Students argue Levy’s suspension threatens open discourse and the university’s commitment to diverse viewpoints.
“Political conformity is being demanded,” said Kristen Graham-Winkles, a law student and protest organizer. “Intellectual diversity is being crushed, and dissent is being punished. How valuable is admission and graduation from an institution that unapologetically enforces these actions?”
Levy, a tenured professor specializing in criminal and constitutional law, was placed under investigation last week. University officials, including Law Center Dean Alena Allen and LSU spokesman Todd Woodward, have not disclosed the specific comments that led to the probe.
Approximately 30 students attended the protest, with several faculty members observing. Graham-Winkles stated that Levy’s remarks in class were not inappropriate.
“We were there. Professor Levy didn’t do anything wrong,” she said. “If you listen to the recording, you hear him expressing an opinion on our governor, followed by the class laughing. No misconduct, no policy violation—just a different opinion.”
Matthew Broussard, a third-year law student in attendance, emphasized the importance of open discourse in legal education.
“If you can’t handle hearing something you don’t like, you need to get another job,” Broussard said. “This is one of the most antagonistic professions out there.”
Among the faculty observing was Professor Jack Harrison, who voiced appreciation for students standing in support of their instructor.
Levy has referred questions to his attorney, Jill Craft, who vowed to challenge the university’s decision.
“We cannot live in a country where people are punished for their opinions, their thoughts, and their words,” Craft said. “This is especially true in academia. If we take that away, we lose the cornerstone of our democracy.”
After the speeches, students marched to the LSU administration building, where they delivered a petition to President William Tate, demanding Levy’s reinstatement and a formal apology.
LSU General Counsel Winston DeCuir met the students outside the building, accepting the petition on Tate’s behalf. DeCuir, a 1998 LSU Law graduate, acknowledged the students’ activism.
“What you’re doing is important,” DeCuir told the protesters. “I did the same thing when I was in law school.”
The university has not provided a timeline for its investigation into Levy’s comments or a decision on his reinstatement. The case has sparked a broader debate over free speech and academic freedom at LSU, drawing attention from students, faculty, and national organizations advocating for higher education rights.
