LSU Students Demand Action Amid Title IX Issues

News Summary

Students at Louisiana State University (LSU) are rallying for change as concerns mount over the handling of sexual harassment reports against adjunct instructor Franz Borghardt. Despite multiple Title IX complaints, Borghardt continues to teach, prompting questions about the university’s Title IX office’s responsiveness and protocol adherence. As students share their experiences of inappropriate behavior and perceive unequal treatment, calls for reform grow louder, highlighting systemic issues within the administration’s approach to addressing sexual misconduct complaints.

Louisiana Students Rally for Change Amid Title IX Controversy

In Baton Rouge, Louisiana, students at the LSU Law Center are raising serious concerns over how sexual harassment reports have been handled, particularly against adjunct instructor Franz Borghardt. Despite multiple reports made through Title IX, Borghardt continued teaching, leading many to question the efficacy and responsiveness of the university’s Title IX office.

Grave Allegations Made Against Borghardt

The allegations against Borghardt paint a distressing picture of inappropriate behavior. Reports have surfaced that he made sexually offensive comments during class, including derogatory names aimed at a 19-year-old woman who accused a police officer of groping and kidnapping her. One report suggests that he referred to her as a “hoe” or “whore” and made further remarks in what can only be described as a mocking singing voice. He also made an unsettling comparison of preparing a female client for court to “putting lipstick on a pig,” and dismissed a woman’s demeanor as having “resting bitch face,” showcasing an alarming pattern of disrespect.

Title IX Office’s Response Raises Eyebrows

It appears that the Title IX office, led by Todd Manuel, failed to meet its obligations. The office has promised state lawmakers that they would address all reports related to Title IX and power-based violence within 24 to 48 hours. However, one concerned student reported that she heard nothing for a staggering six months after her allegations were initially reported. When she finally inquired about her complaint, she was informed that her claims did not rise to the level of requiring a formal investigation, raising serious concerns about whether proper procedures were followed.

University Stands Firm Amid Backlash

In response to these complaints, LSU spokesperson Todd Woodward maintained that the university adhered to Title IX protocols and characterized the situation as a performance management issue, which should be overseen by department leadership and human resources. Despite warnings that followed the initial complaints about Borghardt, additional grievances emerged, ultimately leading to recommendations against his reappointment. Yet, remarkably, he continued to be listed as a faculty member on the LSU website.

Concerns of Favoritism Surface

As these events unfolded, students became increasingly vocal about what they perceived as unequal treatment. Notably, tenured professor Ken Levy was suspended for making comments about Governor Jeff Landry, contrasting sharply with how Borghardt’s situation was handled. This differential treatment has stirred fears among students that political influences might be at play in LSU’s administrative responses.

Student Experiences Highlight the Issue

Students have reported various instances that made them uncomfortable, including text messages from Borghardt that had an inappropriate tone. Critics argue that the Title IX office has fallen short of adequately addressing these issues, which could be attributed to being understaffed and slow in responding. Investigations reportedly take anywhere from 67 to 222 days to complete, adding to student frustrations regarding the effectiveness of the office.

A Call for Reform

As revelations about the handling of these cases become more widely discussed, students, advocates, and state officials are increasingly calling for reforms to the Title IX office. The systemic issues that have long plagued the university’s approach to handling sexual misconduct complaints remain unaddressed, and many are eager to see real changes that will ensure student safety and accountability.

With all eyes on Louisiana State University, the hope is that these challenges will prompt a thorough review of their policies, paving the way for a safer, more responsive campus environment for all students.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

LSU Law Professor Faces Suspension in Free Speech Dispute
Mizzou Gymnastics Impresses in Narrow Loss to LSU
LSU Tiger Girls Secure National Hip-Hop Title in Orlando
LSU Tiger Girls Impress at National Dance Championships
LSU Tiger Girls Shine at National Dance Championships
NCAA Gymnastics Set to Shine in 2025 with Elite Talent
Exciting Events in Shreveport: Art Exhibits, Live Music, and Holiday Festivities Await!
Countdown to College Football Playoff Rankings Generates Excitement Among Fans
Shreveport Unleashes a Colorful Fall of Art, Music, and Community Festivities
LSUHS Names Ramey Benfield as New Chief Financial Officer

Additional Resources

• LA Illuminator: LSU Law Instructor Allowed to Keep Teaching Despite Sexually Offensive Comments
• Louisiana First News: Louisiana Lawmakers Question LSU President on Recruitment, DEI, and Title IX
• USA Today: LSU Settles Sexual Assault Lawsuit
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Title IX
• Google Search: LSU Title IX