The LSU System Board of Supervisors voted this afternoon to terminate President John Lombardi.
After a motion was made, the issue was open for discussion, during which time Board members spoke either in support of Lombardi or in support of his termination.
Board member Alvin Kimble said he was upset by the decision because he believes Gov. Bobby Jindal pressured many of the members to fire Lombardi.
“It’s time to call a buck a buck,” he said. “You’re doing what you’ve been instructed to do. You need to step up and say that’s what the hell’s going on.”
After about 30 minutes of discussion, the motion to terminate Lombardi passed 12-4.
Before the discussion began, University Faculty Senate President Kevin Cope spoke before the board and asked members to rethink their decisions. Cope said he’d prefer faculty members and students be consulted before such an influential decision is made.
“Whatever goes down at this meeting, if there is a change, I hope you pause to think for longer than three or four seconds before making this vote,” he said.
Lombardi did not attend the meeting.
Former System President Bill Jenkins has been named interim president until Lombardi’s successor is appointed. 
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Contact Rachel Warren at [email protected]