Of the hundreds of bills tabled ahead of next week’s regular legislative session, dozens would have far-reaching implications for Louisiana’s public colleges and universities. Here are five of the most notable proposals impacting higher education.
Senate Act 174 – Term
The bill, as drafted, codifies existing employment practices at many universities that require annual faculty reviews and regulates the process of tenure revocation.
The author, Sen. Stewart Cathey, R-Monroe, is known for his opposition to a tenure that provides permanent academic appointments to qualified faculty members who have demonstrated excellence in their fields. Permanent academics can only be terminated for cause, and this is usually only done in extreme circumstances. Higher education leaders see tenure as an integral part of academic freedom in public universities and as a shield against political, business, and religious interference.
Cathey sparked controversy in higher education when he established a study board to review tenure practices. Its members were never convened, and Cathey chose to submit this year’s bill without the panel’s input.
While the current version of the bill makes no significant changes to Louisiana tenure practices, it is worth pursuing. Cathey said he still wants to abolish tenure and college leaders are concerned about the impact his bill will have on recruitment efforts.
House Bill 565 – LSU Security District
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Barbara Freiberg, R-Baton Rouge, creates a security perimeter around LSU’s Baton Rouge campus.
The district, which includes the Tigerland bar district, aims to combat escalating crime at the university through an increased law enforcement presence.
Security at LSU came under scrutiny following the January rape and death of LSU student Madison Brooks. The 19-year-old was fatally hit by a car after being dropped off by three men, two of whom have been accused of raping her after leaving Reggie’s bar in Tigerland. Police said Brooks’ blood alcohol level was too high for her to consent to the sex.
While Reggie’s remains closed pending a hearing on its liquor license, LSU President Willaim F. Tate has called on bars in Tigerland to take responsibility for underage drinking.
Freiberg’s bill would impose a parcel fee on property owners in Tigerland and other areas around campus, which would pay for an increased law enforcement presence.
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Senate Bill 191 – Partnerships with Sports Betting
Sen. Gary Smith, D-Norco, introduced a bill that would ban colleges and universities from forming sports betting partnerships.
LSU is one of only seven universities nationwide to enter into such a partnership. The agreement with Caesar’s Sportsbook drew backlash, particularly after it was revealed that the sports department had been sending promotional offers to underage students.
While Smith’s bill wouldn’t dissolve an existing partnership, it’s worth watching as more and more schools snuggle up to the money gambling companies bring in.
Senate Bill 128 – Affirmative Action
Senate Bill 128, tabled by Sen. Jay Morris, R-West Monroe, would prohibit public colleges and universities from using a student’s race, sex or national origin as a criterion for admission. The bill would also prohibit preferential treatment for students applying for scholarships, grants or financial aid based on the same criteria, unless requested by the donor.
The bill would allow students who feel disadvantaged by a violation of the law to seek compensation.
Affirmative Action aims to enable the inclusion of marginalized groups, such as racial minorities, to bridge historical inequalities that keep them from economic or educational opportunities.
Morris’ bill would disrupt decades of standard higher education practices. Its impact on Louisiana universities would be far-reaching.
House Bill 400 – Representation on Boards of Directors
House Bill 400, tabled by Rep. Cedric Glover, D-Shreveport, proposes a constitutional amendment to require graduate students from every school in the Southern and LSU systems to have a seat on their respective boards of directors.
In an interview, Glover said he wanted to ensure representation of the regional schools on the two boards. A graduate of Southern University Shreveport, a two-year college, has never been appointed to the system board, he said.
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