Louisiana State University

Summary

In July 2023 a graduate assistant at Louisiana State University was relieved from his teaching duties after he allegedly left a threatening and expletive-filled voicemail to a state senator.

Marcus Venable was fired from his paid teaching role over a message he allegedly sent Republican Mike Fesi after he and others in the GOP-majority Louisiana legislature voted to override Governor John Bel Edwards’ veto on House Bill 648, which allowed a ban on gender-affirming health care for transgender youth to become law.

The Louisiana House voted 76 to 23 in favor of overriding the Democratic governor’s veto, while the Senate voted 28 to 11 to override on July 18.

In the message, which several Republican figures shared on social media, Venable accused Fesi of being a “f****** moron voted to make things worse for people who are already suffering.”

“You did not produce any god damn evidence to support the claims you made about people being harmed by transgender care, yet we’ve had tons of empirical evidence telling us there’s an increased suicide risk for people who don’t get this care,” the message said.

“So you, you big fat headed mother f*****, I can’t wait to read your name in the f******obituary. I will make a goddamn martini made from the tears of your butthurt conservatives when we put your f****** a** in the ground, you fat f****** useless piece of s***. F*** you. I hope you have a terrible day. Go f*** yourself.”

LSU allowed Venable to continue his studies but will would not be granted any future teaching opportunities with the University.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, a national free speech organization demanded that the University undo its termination, arguing that LSU had violated the constitutional rights of Venable .  LSU stood by the decision to fire Venable.