EXCLUSIVE: Interview with Ivor van Heerden on recent federal judge’s decision

Ivor van Heerden

Levees.org has learned new information regarding U.S. District Judge James Brady’s decision not to require Louisiana State University (LSU) to rehire Dr. Ivor van Heerden immediately.

“This is encouraging news,” said van Heerden in a phone interview with Sandy Rosenthal. “Judge Brady has ordered an injunction trial on May 19 which means early in the litigation process, LSU will be forced to articulate exactly why they fired me.”

By allowing the injunction trial, says van Heerden, Judge Brady is indicating that he feels there are grounds for keeping him employed. Furthermore, using stern words, the Judge let LSU know that he will order a restraining order requiring LSU to rehire van Heerden if he is harassed.

When asked about LSU’s portrayal of van Heerden as ‘temporary labor,’ van Heerden said that was ‘non-sense.’

“I had a permanent hard-money academic position,” said van Heerden. “It was funded by the state for the last 15 years.”

UPDATE: WHAT YOU CAN DO.
If Levees.org supporters wish to help, Dr. van Heerden suggests they send a written letter of support to the LSU Chancellor.

Dr. Michael V. Martin
Chancellor
Louisiana State University
Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803

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