LSU law students gathered on the steps of the Paul M. Hebert Law Center on Tuesday to protest for the reinstatement of Professor Ken Levy after his suspension for comments made in class.
In mid-January, Levy, a tenured criminal law professor, was removed from his teaching duties after reportedly expressing political views in class. While LSU has not publicly disclosed the exact remarks that led to his suspension, transcripts obtained by WAFB indicate that Levy expressed his party affiliation, his displeasure with the election of President Donald Trump and referenced a colleague who faced repercussions after comments he made.
Students rallying behind Levy argue that the free exchange of ideas is fundamental to the law school experience and that firing him would be setting a dangerous precedent for free speech at LSU.
“Law school is political,” said Matthew Brousard, a third-year law student, “You can’t talk about the law and not politics.”
Students who took Levy’s class said he was a respected professor who encouraged open discussion. “It was surprising to me when I heard it,” Brousard said. “Who reports Professor Levy? That’s like kicking a puppy, why would you do that?”
The protest included speeches from law students and others, including Ryan Spalt, president of LSU’s Students for a Democratic Society (SDS).
“I am not a law student, and I have not been a student of Professor Levy, but I can see by everyone who is here today and everyone who has signed that petition that he is cherished by his students and firing him would be a mistake and an attack on free speech,” said Spalt, a biochemistry junior.
The group of about 30 protestors marched their petition to LSU’s administration building, calling for Levy’s reinstatement. The petition, which gathered signatures from students, was started by Kayla Meyers, a third-year law student and former teaching assistant for Levy.
As the protesters arrived at the administration building, they were met by Winston DeCuir, LSU’s vice president of legal affairs, who accepted the petition on behalf of LSU President William F. Tate IV.
