LSU law professor sues after suspension for political comments in class

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — LSU law professor Ken M. Levy has filed a lawsuit against the LSU Board of Supervisors, arguing that his suspension from teaching violated his free speech, academic freedom, and due process rights.

Levy was removed from the classroom on Jan. 16 following student complaints about remarks he made during a discussion on First Amendment issues. According to his attorney, Jill Craft, Levy referenced former LSU professor Nicholas Bryner’s case, in which Governor Jeff Landry and Attorney General Liz Murrill called for disciplinary action over political comments made in class. Levy allegedly joked that he did not want to be Landry’s next target and used profanity, which he described as part of a lighthearted remark reinforcing his classroom’s no-recording policy.

A student reportedly complained to Landry, prompting LSU to take immediate action. According to the lawsuit, Levy was suspended without prior notice or an opportunity to respond. He contends that LSU’s decision to remove him from teaching duties violates the U.S. and Louisiana constitutions, stating that his remarks were well within the bounds of protected speech and academic freedom.

The lawsuit seeks a temporary restraining order and an injunction to reinstate Levy and prevent further disciplinary action. LSU has not commented on the lawsuit, citing personnel matters.

Levy began his employment at LSU's Paul M. Hebert School of Law in June 2009. He was promoted to Associate Professor in January 2012 and received tenure in May 2015. In August 2017, he was promoted to full Professor of Law.

This is a developing story.

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