LSU Settles Case with Former Law School Dean Alena Allen

Baton Rouge, September 26, 2025

News Summary

Louisiana State University (LSU) has settled a lawsuit with Alena Allen, the former law school dean, who alleged discrimination and retaliation. Following her contentious removal, Allen will take on a faculty position as the Dale E. Bennett Professor of Law, with a research leave granted for 2026. The swift resolution highlights ongoing concerns regarding faculty treatment, particularly among minority leaders, and allows LSU to focus on internal leadership changes.

BATON ROUGE – Louisiana State University (LSU) has reached a settlement with Alena Allen, the former law school dean, following her controversial removal from the position. Allen had been asked to step down for unspecified reasons, prompting her to file a lawsuit against the university. She alleged that her removal constituted whistleblower retaliation, gender discrimination, racial discrimination, and violations of university policy. The case was resolved on September 12, less than two weeks before Allen’s last day as dean on September 19.

Under the terms of the settlement, Allen will transition to a full-time faculty role as the Dale E. Bennett Professor of Law at LSU. Additionally, she has been granted a research leave for the entire calendar year of 2026. Financial details regarding the settlement have not been disclosed publicly.

Allen’s case was resolved more swiftly than a previous legal dispute involving another faculty member, Ken Levy, who also faced employment challenges with the university. This resolution allows LSU to appoint new leadership and move on without the distraction of ongoing litigation, addressing an internal issue that has been a source of concern. The treatment of faculty members, especially minority leaders, has become a significant topic, as Allen is one of at least five minority leadership departures from LSU within the past year.

Despite the settlement, LSU has not provided clarification about the reasons behind Allen’s resignation from her dean position. Her removal has been described as her being “forced out,” raising questions about the university’s adherence to its own policies in managing faculty affairs.

The events surrounding Allen’s departure have drawn attention to LSU’s broader employment practices and the experiences of minority leaders within the institution. There are implications for how the university will navigate future changes in leadership and its commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all faculty members.

Background Context

The case highlights recurrent issues at LSU concerning faculty treatment, particularly for minority leaders. In recent years, there has been increasing scrutiny over how the university handles disputes within its ranks, especially involving employees from diverse backgrounds. The challenges faced by Allen and others have brought attention to a potential pattern within the university that could impact its reputation, as well as its ability to attract and retain talented faculty.

Key Developments

• Date of Settlement: September 12
• Last Day as Dean: September 19
• New Position: Dale E. Bennett Professor of Law
• Research Leave: Full calendar year of 2026

Regional Impact

The resolution of the dispute over Allen’s position serves to impact LSU as a whole, allowing the institution to focus on future developments while potentially reshaping its internal policies regarding faculty management. The case could also serve as a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future.

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Additional Resources

• Above the Law: LSU Reaches Settlement with Former Law Dean
• Law.com: Outgoing LSU Law Dean Reaches Settlement
• WBRZ: LSU Could Soon Pay Athletes
• NOLA: LSU Paying Players House Settlement
• Wikipedia: Louisiana State University

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