Seven LSU Students Arrested Protesting Presidential Search Committee in Baton Rouge

At LSU, seven students associated with the Students for a Democratic Society were arrested during a presidential search committee meeting after protesting the university's next president selection process and opposing appointments to the LSU Board of Supervisors by Governor Jeff Landry. The protest escalated when Gabriela Juárez exceeded her allotted public comment time, refused to yield the floor, and was forcibly removed by police while wearing a "No MAGA President" shirt. Following her removal, other students blocked the police vehicle holding Juárez, chanting "shame on you," leading to their arrests on charges including resisting an officer, obstruction of highway commerce, and interference with the educational process. The university expressed support for lawful free expression but emphasized the importance of adhering to meeting rules and maintaining safety and order. All students were released with misdemeanor charges and scheduled court dates, with Juárez briefly held at East Baton Rouge Parish Prison. The incident highlighted tensions around student input and representation on the university's governing board amid the presidential search.