LSU’s First Black General Counsel, Winston Decuir, Faces Ouster Amid Uncertainty
Decuir, however, has refused to resign voluntarily. Reports suggest that LSU leadership has given him approximately 30 days before his departure is finalized.
BATON ROUGE, La. – In a move that has sparked concern among legal and academic circles, Winston Decuir, the first African American to serve as General Counsel for Louisiana State University, has been asked to step down from his role. Sources close to the situation indicate that Decuir, a highly respected attorney with deep ties to the Baton Rouge community, was recently informed that his tenure as the university’s top lawyer would soon come to an end.
Decuir, however, has refused to resign voluntarily. Reports suggest that LSU leadership has given him approximately 30 days before his departure is finalized.
Having served as LSU’s Vice President of Legal Affairs and General Counsel since March 2020, Decuir’s appointment was initially met with praise. LSU’s former Interim President Thomas Galligan lauded his legal acumen and deep-rooted knowledge of Louisiana’s higher education system, describing him as an invaluable addition to the university’s leadership team.
Despite his distinguished service, LSU appears poised to move in a different direction, with discussions already underway regarding a potential replacement. Last week, the LSU Law School included an agenda item proposing a transition for Decuir into a faculty position—a move that some believe was set in motion long before his dismissal became public.
Those familiar with Decuir’s tenure have expressed dismay over the university’s decision.
“It’s very unfortunate because Winston has done a phenomenal job,” a source with direct knowledge of the situation said.
Decuir has not publicly commented on the matter, and multiple attempts to reach him for a statement have gone unanswered.
LSU has yet to issue an official response regarding Decuir’s impending departure. The timing of this decision comes as the university faces another high-profile controversy, with LSU Law Professor Ken Levy recently sidelined for the semester after making politically charged statements in a lecture. Levy has since filed a lawsuit against the university, alleging a violation of his free speech rights.
As Decuir’s situation unfolds, many in the legal and academic community are watching closely, questioning the motivations behind LSU’s decision and the broader implications for leadership stability at the institution.
