Louisiana State University: Administrators Suspends Professor Following Political Commentary During Class

On January 14, 2025, during his Administration of Criminal Justice course, Louisiana State University law professor Ken Levy made several political comments. The brief comments included saying he was a “big lefty” and that he “couldn’t believe that fucker won,” referring to President Trump, and jokingly suggesting to students that they “forward my shit to the governor, like I generally don’t have a problem, I would love to become a national celebrity based on what I said in this class,” before adding in a mocking tone, “fuck the governor.” After a student’s recording of the class became public, LSU informed Levy on January 17 he’d be relieved of his teaching duties for his “inappropriate statements.” As Levy sued to regain his position, FIRE wrote the university on March 12, explaining that academic freedom protects faculty members who make fleeting, non-disruptive comments in the classroom.