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Tulane Scientist Resigns Citing University Censorship of Pollution and Racial Disparity Research

ORLEANS PARISH, LOUISIANA, JUN 11 – Kimberly Terrell resigned after Tulane University imposed a gag order on her research revealing racial job disparities and health harms linked to Louisiana's petrochemical industry.

  • Kimberly Terrell, who led public outreach for Tulane’s Environmental Law Clinic, stepped down on Wednesday, accusing university officials of suppressing her research and limiting academic freedom.
  • Terrell alleged that the university imposed a complete gag order barring public statements about her research to appease state officials and secure funding for a $650 million hospital redevelopment.
  • Her research revealed significant racial and health inequalities in Louisiana's petrochemical region, showing that Black communities are subjected to drastically higher levels of toxic air pollutants while receiving fewer industry employment opportunities despite comparable training.
  • Tulane and Governor Landry both denied any threats to cut funding, while university officials indicated that elected representatives and donors saw the clinic's activities as a barrier to gaining their backing for the redevelopment efforts.
  • Terrell filed a formal complaint on May 12 claiming violation of academic freedom, highlighting tensions between scholarship and political and financial pressures at Tulane.
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U.S. News broke the news in New York, United States on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
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