Cuts Could Eliminate LSU Press

Supporters are rallying around the Louisiana State University Press, which is on a list of units at LSU that may face deep cuts or even elimination. The many distinctions of the press include winning four Pulitzer Prizes, more than any other academic publisher. The press is also the only university press to have won Pulitzer Prizes in both fiction and poetry. Peter Givler, executive director of the Association of American University Presses and a member of the advisory board of the LSU Press, said, "Things are tough everywhere and everybody is making sacrifices, but the idea of shutting down a press that has brought so much national distinction and honor to LSU, and to Louisiana, is just plain nuts." LSU's chancellor, Michael Martin, issued this statement about the situation: "We hope the Governor and our Legislature will provide sufficient funding to maintain support of LSU Press, as it is a very valuable asset to this university, the people of the state and many beyond. We face, however, extraordinary economic conditions and we must protect the academic core of LSU first and foremost."