State Judge Orders LSU to Allow Law Professor Ken Levy to Return to Teaching Duties Following First Amendment Dispute
LSU has been ordered by a state judge to allow law professor Ken Levy to resume teaching after the university removed him from the classroom pending an investigation into alleged criticism of Gov. Jeff Landry. Levy, a tenured professor of constitutional and criminal law, sued LSU for violating his First Amendment rights and tenured faculty policies. Judge Don Johnson granted Levy a temporary restraining order allowing him to teach for at least a week, with a hearing set for an injunction on Feb. 10.
Levy claims that his political comments related to Landry were reported, leading to pressure on the university administration. His suit argues that LSU’s actions stifle free speech and academic freedom for faculty. The university maintains that faculty must conduct themselves civilly and respect differing opinions, as outlined in LSU’s policies on academic freedom and speech.
Levy’s attorney contends that the actions against him violate his rights and LSU’s own procedures for disciplining tenured faculty. LSU policies typically require peer input and multiple layers of review before a tenured professor can be relieved of duties. The removal of Levy from the classroom has sparked public backlash and student protests in his defense, with calls for reinstatement, apologies, and transparency in the disciplinary process.
The situation highlights tensions between academic freedom and proper conduct in professional settings like law schools, where faculty must balance personal expression with maintaining a respectful learning environment. As the case moves forward, it will continue to raise important questions about the rights and responsibilities of faculty in higher education institutions.
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