A judge ordered LSU to immediately reinstate law professor Ken Levy after suspending him for alleged inappropriate classroom statements.
Levy’s attorney, Jill Craft, says the temporary restraining order prevents LSU from infringing on Levy’s free speech and due process rights or retaliating against him.
"The reason the Supreme Court uses the following language when it says things like, 'is it an action designed likely to dissuade others from coming forward?' That’s the essence of retaliation and that’s why it’s illegal," said Craft.
Levy sued LSU, arguing the suspension violated his constitutional rights. The suspension followed a Jan. 17 letter citing student complaints about Levy’s comments during a criminal law class, where he criticized Gov. Jeff Landry.
According to the complaint, Levy said "F*** the governor" and shared his political views.
Craft says the complaints were inaccurate.
"We have both the recording and the transcript from the class itself, and the comment about Governor Landry was truly a joke, and you can hear the students laughing out loud about how funny it was," said Craft.
Levy’s attorney called the case a crucial free speech issue. LSU vowed to continue its investigation, emphasizing respect and professionalism in the classroom.
"It was all within the confines of a class educating law students and it still makes me scratch my head as to how we got here other than fact that someone got their feelings hurt," Craft said.
A court hearing is set for Feb. 10.