Louisiana Judge Orders Governor to Release Texts in LSU Professor Lawsuit
A Louisiana judge has ordered Governor Jeff Landry to release text messages he exchanged with the chairman of the LSU Board of Supervisors regarding a law professor who was allegedly removed from teaching for making critical comments about the governor.
The ruling, issued Monday by 19th Judicial District Judge Tarvald Smith, is part of the ongoing lawsuit brought by Ken Levy against Louisiana State University (LSU). Levy, a law professor, claims he was pulled from teaching after remarks he made in class on the first day of the semester. His attorney, Jill Craft, argues that his statements are protected under the First Amendment and LSU faculty policy.
Levy testified that he suspects one of his students reported his comments to Governor Landry, who then allegedly contacted the university administration. According to Levy, Law Dean Alena Allen informed him of Landryโs involvement. Since then, Landry has made multiple social media posts about Levy.
Levyโs classroom comments reportedly included critiques of Landry and former President Donald Trump, and some of his statements contained profanity.
Dispute Over Landryโs Involvement
To establish a direct link between Landry and Levyโs removal, Craft requested text messages exchanged between Landry and LSU board chair Scott Ballard. One message shows Landry forwarding Ballard a screenshot of a Facebook post in which Levy sought donations for his legal battle.
In his post, Levy wrote, โPlease remember โ this isnโt just about me. This is about you too. If LSU (and Gov. Landry) can get away with violating my rights, they can get away with violating your rights too. So to help me is to help everybody else. If I win, we all win; if I lose, we all lose.โ
Though Levyโs fundraising is not central to the case, it was a focus of LSUโs defense. During cross-examination, LSUโs attorney, Jimmy Faircloth, questioned Levy about soliciting donations from students. Levy clarified that his post was public and aimed at family and friends, not students.
Faircloth also objected to repeated mentions of Landry, emphasizing that he is not a named party in the lawsuit. However, most of his objections were overruled. Despite not being a defendant, Landry wields influence over LSUโs governance, having appointed most of its board members, including Ballard, under a recent law expanding his control over higher education.
Hearing to Continue
The hearing recessed before all witnesses could be heard. Testimony is scheduled to resume Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., with LSU President William Tate, Dean Alena Allen, and several of Levyโs students expected to take the stand.