Collis Temple’s comments reflect poorly on LSU

ROLFE MCCOLLISTER JR.

AT THE CONCLUSION of the January LSU Board of Supervisors meeting, Collis Temple Jr., a Black board member and former LSU basketball star, asked his fellow board members to consider the implications of Donald Rouse Sr.’s actions in light of the grocery chain’s role as both the “official supermarket of LSU Athletics” as well as the presenting sponsor of The Oaks at Patrick F. Taylor Hall.

What had Temple so concerned was the retired supermarket co-owner’s participation in the Jan. 6 protest rally on Capitol Hill—made public through a widely shared Facebook photo—and how that might adversely impact the reputation of LSU. He went on to suggest the university should consider ending its business relationship with Rouses.

Mounting his ivory tower to criticize Rouse, Temple gave a quick nod to protecting free speech before declaring that “LSU does not support rioting and insurrection against our U.S. government and should not have that image reflected upon it by its sponsors.”

Both Rouse and his son Donny Rouse, the current CEO, have made clear that they, too, don’t support the rioting that took place at the Capitol. And in an important detail, Rouse says that while he attended the rally in Washington, D.C., he was back at his hotel before any violence erupted. I am quite sure members of the LSU board have participated in political rallies and protests in the past. That is their right—and not a crime—despite the politician or cause.

I also condemn the insurrection and violence. It was a sad day in American history and the now former President Trump must accept responsibility for inciting those in the crowd who resorted to violence. The ones who were guilty should be prosecuted. But this is still a free country and if someone wants to protest peacefully in the public square—for the president or Black Lives Matter—so be it.

Moreover, customers absolutely have the right to decide where and where not to spend their money. But it is wrong for a public institution like LSU to threaten to wield its power and punish a sponsor based on someone’s support for president or its distaste for another’s political free speech.

Having served on the LSU board for 12 years, I am well versed in the knowledge that board members are not to use their position as a bully pulpit. Each member is simply one part of the collective whole. One member does not represent the views of LSU.

Temple abused his position and got headlines (maybe his aim) that hurt LSU’s image. You may disagree. It’s still a free country, I think.

It’s ironic that any member on the governing board of a university—where tenure protects faculty for expressing all views—would be the one wanting to silence and punish an opposing view, producing a chilling effect.

As troubling as Temple’s belief that free speech extends only to views in which he’s in agreement, is his hypocrisy. Does anyone recall Temple uttering a single word of concern about the sexual assault scandal at LSU and its athletic department? Has he raised any worries about LSU possibly going into business with the CEO of a Baton Rouge-based company who allegedly interfered in one of the sexual assault cases?

Does Temple not think those USA Today headlines reflect poorly on LSU?

How about the national cable documentary that included damning words and actions by basketball coach Will Wade? How can Temple and this board continue to stand behind a coach who has brought national shame to the university?

Temple says, “Silence is generally consent.” If so, we can only surmise Temple has no issue with any of the troubling allegations.

Will Temple and the board move next to establish the image police and begin monitoring the words, activities, and social posts of employees and all sponsors and business partners that are affiliated with the university that might reflect poorly on LSU? What are the criteria for being banned: ethics issues, political views, drug abuse, DWI, domestic abuse, sexual assault … what?

Do they start with fraternities, athletics or the board? The ongoing political theater by the LSU board over the energy contract is embarrassing and reflects good ol’ boy Louisiana politics at its worst. And guess who’s right in the middle of it? That’s right: Temple.

The actions of the retired Rouse created controversy and cost the grocery store, and the social post was a dumb idea by his friend. But while some may be offended, it is not a crime to be a Trump supporter. Temple seems to want to set a bar that few can meet.

In response to Temple, CEO Donny Rouse said, “We appreciate that people are engaged enough to speak out and we are listening.”

For what it’s worth, Rouse Sr. has since apologized for his role in this whole affair. It was an apology he did not need to make. What we’re still waiting for is Temple’s apology.

CARTER WAS A CHAMPION

Rep. Steve Carter was another victim of COVID-19. Carter was a good friend and a good man who accomplished much in his life of service. He served his country (Air Force), his state and city (state House) as well as the university (LSU) he loved.

Carter was a gentle spirit who got along with everyone and was a true public servant. He was a champion for children and improved education while serving in the Legislature as chairman of the House Education Committee.

Carter not only loved his wife, Gloria, two children and four grandchildren but also LSU and his home of Baton Rouge. And we loved him back. My prayers are with his family and many friends.

GRAVES LEFT HIS MARK

COVID-19 claimed another good man too early in the life of John Graves, CEO of Evans-Graves Engineers. I had just visited with him in his office weeks before talking about many projects he had for 2021. And then he was gone.

As his obituary said, “At 79, John worked at a pace of many half his age.” After LSU, he joined Ed Evans and they built one of the premier engineering firms in the state, along the way becoming a launching pad for many others. You can see his work all around town including the Pete Maravich Assembly Center, Country Club of Louisiana, John James Audubon Bridge and Cortana Mall.

“Of all of his projects, John’s greatest achievement was the levee rebuild following Hurricane Katrina, the largest Civil Works Program in U.S. history, his scope that was completed on time and under budget under John’s direction,” according to his obituary.

Graves served on the boards of b1Bank, Pennington Biomedical, St. Joseph Academy and the LSU Civil and Environmental Engineering Department.

But John Graves’ legacy will live on in his family: wife Cynthia, five children and spouses, and nine grandchildren—and he was proud of them all. They are in our prayers. John will be missed.

HERO AWARD FOR 2020

I think this would be a unanimous choice by those in our community, state and nation—even around the world. And the award goes to our “front-line workers” who care daily for those with COVID-19. Like soldiers on the battlefield, they put their lives at risk (and their families) while fighting to protect the lives of others. It is heroic—and, as in battle, many have died in the line of duty. We should all be forever grateful for their service and sacrifice. And the battle isn’t over. Let’s not get complacent and overlook what these front-line heroes are still doing every day to save loved ones and neighbors.

CONTAINERS

READY TO GEAUX!

Storage capacity has nearly doubled to accommodate up to 2,000 containers.

The successful public/private partnership

between the Port of Greater Baton Rouge and SEACOR AMH has produced steady increases in the number of containers handled at the Port’s barge terminal.

As a result, a project to create nearly 4 acres

of additional paved container storage capacity has been successfully completed. The yard is now capable of handling approximately 2,000 containers including containers measuring 40 feet, versus 20 feet.

Port Executive Director Jay Hardman said

that the response from local industry has been very positive. “We have been able to build in more e ciency in our COB service, which translates to a smoother, more fluid operation, lowers costs, and keeps the service competitive,” says Hardman. “As the service continues to grow, it’s catching the attention of more and more potential customers.”

For more information, contact Greg Johnson at 225-342-1660.

2425 Ernest Wilson Drive • P.O. Box 380 • Port Allen, LA 70767-0380 PH: (225) 342.1660 • FAX: (225) 342.1666 • www.portgbr.com