Category: Uncategorized

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 27, 2025
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

WHY OUR NATION NEEDS DEI PROGRAMS

Baton Rouge – Why Our Nation Needs DEI Programs
DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) programs have proven to be among the most effective
initiatives for strengthening America’s workforce. A diverse workforce leads to more effective
decision-making and strategic organizational planning. Businesses that embrace DEI as part of
their organizational structure often experience higher financial returns compared to those that do
not.
Marginalized communities — including women, people of color, and the LGBTQ+ community
— frequently encounter unjust career barriers. DEI programs address these disparities by
implementing fair hiring practices, which attract larger pools of qualified applicants and reduce
turnover rates. Women of all races have particularly benefited from DEI programs through
increased access to business opportunities, development capital, and career advancement.
A common misconception about DEI programs is that they result in the hiring of unqualified
candidates. In reality, DEI initiatives aim to ensure that the most qualified applicants are not
unfairly excluded due to race, gender, or other biases. These programs do not give advantages to
unqualified individuals; rather, they work to prevent the most capable candidates from being
overlooked because of prejudice.
DEI remains a crucial strategy for creating a fairer, more just society. Advocates of these
programs should continue to voice their support and dedicate collective efforts to maintaining
DEI as a core part of our national agenda. These initiatives align with the founding principles of
our nation, promoting fair representation in our workforce while enhancing organizational
performance.

#

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 29, 2025
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

“Louisiana Democrats Secure Major Victory against Jeff Landry and Harmful Amendments”

Baton Rouge – I am overjoyed to see the groundswell of Democrats come together from across Louisiana to give Jeff Landry a resounding defeat. Together, with voters from every party, people came to the conclusion that the constitutional amendments were at best misguided – at worst an attempt to give tax breaks to the rich while locking up more of our children. That is not the Louisiana values we stand for. Let us take this victory and continue to build toward a more equitable prosperous future for everyone in our state. 

The Louisiana Democratic Party along with our dedicated supporters, worked tirelessly to educate voters about the dangers of the amendments. The Louisiana Democratic Party is committed to fighting for policies and initiatives that prioritize working families, protect civil rights, and ensure a stronger, more equitable Louisiana. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that the voices of everyday Louisianans are heard and respected on every level of government.

###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2025
CONTACT: ldpcommunications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATIC PARTY’S STATEMENT – A COMMITMENT TO KEEP

BATON ROUGE, LA — The Louisiana Democratic Party is aggressively engaging in efforts to transform our newly revitalized party into a party that fights for the rights and beneficial interest of all Louisiana citizens. In this era of challenging political circumstances, our collective voices and unified efforts must be directed toward any political or systemic effort that seeks to obstruct and or diminish the fundamental rights and personal choices of the citizens who we have been given the privilege and opportunity to represent. 

To combat these divisive and oppressive actions, we commit to advancing policies that promote economic justice, healthcare access, environmental sustainability, and social equity. We reject the Republicans’ reprehensible use of government power to fracture our communities and instead commit to fostering a more just and inclusive society that uplifts the voices and experiences of the most vulnerable among us. We believe that through collaboration, compassion, and unwavering resolve, we can create a more equitable future and ensure that every voice is heard and valued. 

The Louisiana Democratic Party remains dedicated to empowering individuals and families striving for a better life and amplifying the voices of those silenced by a lack of opportunity and hope.

###

A Democratic Call to Action

Trump and his republican enablers have damaged the moral fiber of this country. Many
Americans who voted for Trump are facing the dire consequences of unheeded vividly clear
warnings of what would result from electing an individual grossly unqualified and unfit for the
Presidency.  We are witnessing an unprecedented power grab, and we are approaching an era
of Democracy under siege. Trump has unleashed a wave of reckless, disruptive, extremely
damaging decisions and actions with the intent of removing the long-standing institutionalized
guard rails of our vital governmental institutions in order to denigrate this great nation into a
personalized political authoritarian regime.   
    
He has indiscriminately fired thousands of highly qualified tenured federal employees with the
intent of replacing them with unqualified political cronies.  All under the disguise of reducing the
size of government.  Under this current Republican regime, truth, honesty and accurate facts
are viewed merely from a political perspective as opposed to laudable concepts that should
govern all political and governmental actions and endeavors.  
   
These misguided attempts to dismantle the core values of our state and nation in pursuit of
unrestricted and uncontrolled political power must be met with stern opposition and our
unwavering commitment to ensure that the interest and well-being of our citizens must remain at
the top of our state and nation’s agenda. It’s our charge as Democratic leaders to stand against
the obsessive quest for unbridled power by mal-intended individuals or small groups of
individuals.
 
We are urging every Democratic voter in Louisiana and across this nation to use the power of
their VOTE in the upcoming mid-term elections to enable our Democratic leadership in
Washington to regain the Democratic majority in Congress in order to help stop the onslaught of
abusive and disruptive acts of the Trump administration.
 
Randal L. Gaines
Chairman, Louisiana Democratic Party

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 12, 2024
CONTACT: communications@lademo.org

LOUISIANA DEMOCRATS APPLAUD FEDERAL JUDGE DECISION RULING EXTREME REPUBLICANS’ TEN COMMANDMENTS LAW UNCONSTITUTIONAL

Chair Gaines: “This is something our government has no place in doing… we have separation of church and state for a reason”

BATON ROUGE, LA — Today, a federal judge ruled that Louisiana’s new law mandating public schools to display the Ten Commandments is unconstitutional and cannot be enforced. 

The decision, issued by U.S. District Court Judge John deGravelles in the Middle District of Louisiana, means that public K-12 schools and colleges are not required to display the religious text in every classroom by the January 1 deadline set by the law. The ruling blocks enforcement of the law, HB 71, and instructs state officials to notify schools that the law is unconstitutional.

Louisiana was on track to become the first state in over 40 years to require public schools to display the Ten Commandments, following the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1980 ruling against a similar law in Kentucky. The law, signed by Republican Governor Jeff Landry in June, mandates that every classroom display the Ten Commandments on posters with specific wording and size requirements. 

The law has sparked significant national debate, with many arguing that it violates the separation of church and state, religious freedom protections, and students’ First Amendment rights.

In today’s ruling, Judge deGravelles ruled that the law is coercive, effectively forcing students to be exposed to religious messages in every classroom. He also pointed to statements by Governor Landry and the bill’s sponsor, Republican Rep. Dodie Horton, which revealed the law’s primary religious intent, dismissing claims of a secular purpose as insincere.

Louisiana Republican Attorney General Liz Murrill promised to appeal the ruling.

Randal Gaines, Chair of the Louisiana Democratic Party, released the following statement:

“Louisiana Democrats strongly agree with Judge deGravelles’ decision today, and I applaud his fortitude to stand up for the constitutional rights of all Louisianans. It is only right for personal beliefs, including those shaped by religion, to not impose restrictions on the rights of others. 

“Since Day One of discussion on this law, the dangerous duo of Jeff Landry and Liz Murrill have made it clear that they want to impose their religious beliefs on every Louisianan. They do not care for anyone who believes differently from them, and regardless, this is something our government has no place in doing. We have separation of church and state for a reason, and everyone’s First Amendment rights should be protected and respected, regardless of their age or personal faith. 

“Individuals should be able to hold their own religious views while also respecting and supporting others, especially our state’s impressionable children. Louisiana’s people aren’t forcing our Governor and Attorney General to compromise their faith. We respect their personal spiritual beliefs, and they should do the same for all of us. It’s basic human decency.”

###

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.

###