Louisiana State University announced Thursday that tenured criminal‑law professor Ken Levy will return to teaching in the spring semester, two years after he was removed from the classroom for a profanity‑laden comment about Governor Jeff Landry.
Professor’s remarks and suspension
In January 2025, Levy told students in his Administration of Criminal Justice class, “If Governor Landry were to retaliate against me, then f*** the governor and f*** that.” The remark quickly reached the governor’s office, prompting a series of social‑media posts from Landry denouncing the professor and the university.
LSU responded by suspending Levy pending an investigation – an action the university says is reserved for serious infractions such as sexual misconduct. The suspension was unusual for a tenured faculty member, but LSU’s own policies allow it while a formal inquiry proceeds.
Legal battle and tenure protection
Levy sued the university shortly after his removal, arguing that his speech was protected academic expression. The lawsuit remained active, though the state supreme court declined to hear the case, leaving an appeals‑court ruling in place that barred LSU from firing Levy outright while still permitting the suspension.
Levy maintains that without tenure he would likely have been dismissed, underscoring the importance of tenure as a shield for academic freedom against political, corporate, or religious pressure.
University’s reinstatement decision
In a letter to Levy, LSU Provost Joseph Messina warned the professor to keep classroom discussion focused on course material, stating that “expressing personal political views and extraneous political commentary do not serve a legitimate academic purpose related to the course and are inconsistent with law and LSU policy.” Nonetheless, the university’s latest communication confirmed Levy’s reinstatement, though it offered no detailed rationale.
Levy expressed excitement about returning, noting he will continue to discuss controversial topics while avoiding what he calls “gratuitous commentary.” He also reiterated his request that students not record his lectures, citing concerns about being targeted by the governor.
Governor’s stance
Governor Landry’s office has not issued a new statement regarding the reinstatement. Earlier, Landry publicly suggested that tenure should be abolished, a comment that aligns with his broader push to increase executive control over state universities.
Landry’s spokeswoman, Kate Kelly, did not respond to a request for comment on the latest development.
Context of campus free‑speech debates
The case follows a 2024 incident in which another LSU law professor, Nick Bryner, faced pressure after making remarks about President Trump. That episode highlighted ongoing tensions between Louisiana’s political leadership and faculty who voice dissenting opinions.
Levy’s return is being watched by faculty across the state as a test of how tenure protections will hold up against political pressure. LSU’s decision to reinstate him, while still reminding him of policy limits, reflects an effort to balance academic freedom with institutional order.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
