Letters: Researcher’s loss felt, but Tulane clinic still committed to environmental law
July 6, 2025
Recently, the paper reported the resignation of Kim Terrell, staff scientist for the Environmental Law Clinic at Tulane Law School, citing university censorship and infringement of her academic freedom. Speaking on my own behalf and not the university’s, and from my experience as the current director of the clinic, I’d like to clarify a few things.
First, the clinic will continue to rely on Terrell’s powerful work in its advocacy. We hope and expect there will be more to come.
Second, despite the loss of a valuable staff scientist, the clinic continues to practice and advocate on behalf of our clients. We know there are those who are afraid of Louisiana residents having access to legal representation to enforce environmental laws. And some are afraid of peer-reviewed science that sheds light on the environmental and public health costs of pollution and takes an honest accounting of what we are truly getting in return. But people of this state are better off when their voices can be amplified with science and when courthouses are accessible to them. Law students are better off with interdisciplinary advocacy and experience practicing the highest ideals of the profession in representing clients who would otherwise go unrepresented on controversial matters.
Marie Curie stated, “Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood.” The governor’s triumphant response to Terrell’s resignation reveals a perceived victory of politics over science but it is as misplaced as it is premature. We understand that it is our clients’ voices that are the true target, and so we follow our clients’ lead and fear not. The clinic is still here, the science isn’t going away, and we will not go down without a fight.
LISA JORDAN
director, Environmental Law Clinic, Tulane Law School
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