Context:

Kimberly Terrell, a researcher at Tulane University's Environmental Law Clinic, resigned due to alleged censorship by university leaders over her work exposing the health impacts of the Louisiana petrochemical industry and racial disparities in hiring. Terrell claimed the university stifled her academic freedom to appease political figures and donors, specifically citing pressure from Louisiana’s Governor Jeff Landry. The university's redevelopment project for New Orleans’ Charity Hospital was reportedly jeopardized by the clinic's advocacy, which had become a point of contention with major donors and elected officials. Terrell's research had highlighted significant health and employment inequities affecting Black communities in Louisiana, leading to increased scrutiny from university officials. Despite the university's claim of commitment to academic freedom, Terrell's resignation underscores a conflict between academic integrity and political influences impacting scholarly work at Tulane.

Dive Deeper:

• Kimberly Terrell accused Tulane University's leadership of placing a gag order on her, preventing her from making public statements about her research, to appease Governor Jeff Landry and maintain funding for university projects.

• Emails revealed that university leaders viewed the Environmental Law Clinic's advocacy against the petrochemical industry as an obstacle to securing support for Tulane's redevelopment of New Orleans' historic Charity Hospital.

• Terrell's research, which included studies on cancer rates and employment disparities in Louisiana, clashed with the interests of elected officials and donors, leading to restrictions on her external communications.

• Terrell filed a complaint with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, claiming her academic freedom was violated, as university leaders restricted her involvement in media engagements.

• University Provost Robin Forman and Law School Dean Marcilynn Burke expressed concerns about the clinic's perceived shift towards lobbying, particularly regarding a press release that criticized petrochemical companies.

• The clinic's annual report, which highlighted its success in halting projects detrimental to marginalized communities, was seen by some university leaders as a liability rather than an achievement.

• Terrell's resignation letter emphasized her belief that Tulane's leaders prioritized political appeasement over the principles of knowledge and education, compromising the greater good for narrow agendas.