The president of LSU’s Faculty Senate advised the Senate on free speech, individual political action and legal repercussions in their meeting Thursday as faculty members await the impacts of federal and state actions.
Earlier this month, the Louisiana First Circuit Court of Appeals upheld LSU’s decision to suspend law professor Ken Levy following allegations the professor had made disparaging comments against Gov. Jeff Landry and President Donald Trump in one of his lectures. The decision sent shockwaves across campus, calling into question the qualifications of free speech at LSU.
The decision comes as federal threats of education funding cuts loom. As the Trump administration begins its second month in office, professors await the results of attempted cuts on research funding and the required removal of diversity, equity and inclusion measures.
Against this uncertain backdrop, the Faculty Senate is mobilizing to protect academic freedom.
“I am sure I do not need to impress upon you the seriousness of this moment for higher education,” Faculty Senate President Daniel C. Tirone said at the Senate’s meeting last Thursday. “Every day brings more troubling news and for many faculty their research and lives have been placed into a state of uncertainty, bringing with it anxiety about what lies ahead.”
Tirone offered several suggestions to help faculty members navigate this pivotal moment. He was particularly quick to emphasize the importance of building solidarity and staying informed.
“I would also encourage you to work closely with your national organizations and advocacy groups such as the [American Association of University Professors] and [United Campus Workers] to follow national developments in higher education and identify opportunities for action,” Tirone recommended.
Tirone offered faculty members resources to avoid legal repercussions for their activism. He explained the Senate contacted the Office of Legal Affairs and General Counsel for a clear outline of the university’s expectations for public employees, including the limitations placed on professors’ “individual political action.”
Beyond offering a list of best practices, the Faculty Senate has also taken steps to actively empower faculty members to advocate for their rights.
On March 13, the Faculty Senate will host University of Texas School of Law professor David M. Rabban, who will be delivering a lecture on his book “Academic Freedom: From Professional Norm to First Amendment Right.” Published last year, the book discusses whether academic freedom should be considered a constitutional guarantee — a topic profoundly relevant to LSU’s current faculty.
While acknowledging the precarious state of academic freedom at LSU, Tirone remained optimistic that university administration will help faculty members.
“LSU is doing everything it can to adapt to these changing circumstances,” he said. “I have no doubt that they are pursuing every available option to improve our situation and put us in the best possible position to succeed.”
Still, his tone was urgent.
“My advice, formulated solely on my own experience as a political scientist, is that this is not a time to be shy or timid,” Tirone warned. “I do not believe it is hyperbole to say that this is a defining moment for higher education and the national scientific infrastructure which has long been the envy of the world. Working together to take care of ourselves and others will give us the best chance of surviving this profound challenge.”