GOVERNOR LANDRY DOUBLES DOWN ON CENSORSHIP, THREATENS LSU PROFESSOR FOR ENCOURAGING CRITICAL THINKING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2024
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org or commsdirector@ydlouisiana.org

GOVERNOR LANDRY DOUBLES DOWN ON CENSORSHIP, THREATENS LSU PROFESSOR FOR ENCOURAGING CRITICAL THINKING

Louisiana deserves leaders who protect, not persecute, academic freedom

BATON ROUGE, LA — Governor Jeff Landry, a self-proclaimed champion of free speech, is once again showing his true colors by attacking LSU Law Professor Nicholas Bryner for remarks that encouraged students to reflect on their personal accountability and political values. This blatant effort to intimidate an educator is not just an attack on academic freedom — it’s a troubling display of political censorship.

Professor Bryner’s statement — urging students to ensure their behaviors align with the policies they support — was far from controversial. It was a call to integrity, encouraging students to think critically and act responsibly. Yet, Landry chose to politicize the classroom, falsely framing the professor’s remarks as an attack on Trump voters.

“The so-called ‘party of free speech’ seems intent on silencing voices in our classrooms when those voices don’t align with their agenda,” said YDL President Jay Braxton. “This isn’t about protecting students or fostering dialogue — it’s about shutting down educators who dare to challenge the status quo.”

Landry’s recent actions are part of a larger pattern of authoritarian overreach, where political leaders attempt to control the narrative by targeting teachers, professors, and other educators. This undermines the principles of free speech and academic independence that are vital to our democracy.

“Louisiana deserves leaders who protect — not persecute — academic freedom,” said Louisiana Democratic Party Chair Randal Gaines. “Unfortunately, Landry’s actions come at no surprise considering his other recent acts of political encroachment. He is not respecting the personal views of those whose opinions and perspectives are different from his, and he is improperly using his elected position to push his own personal agenda in our publicly-funded schools and spaces. We have to fight back.”

The Louisiana Democratic Party and the Young Democrats of Louisiana stand with Professor Bryner and all educators who dedicate their lives to fostering critical thinking and open dialogue. We call on Louisianans to reject these attacks on education and stand firm in support of free expression and the rights of teachers and students alike.

The Young Democrats of Louisiana is an organization dedicated to engaging and empowering young people in Louisiana to participate in the political process. Their mission is to advocate for progressive values and to work toward a better future for all residents of our state. They are available for interviews to further discuss this issue. To schedule an interview, please contact Lauren Loisel, Communications Director, at commsdirector@ydlouisiana.org or (251) 644-1419.

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