Ethics

The System Office for Compliance oversees the Southern University System's adherence to the Louisiana Governmental Code of Ethics. All System employees are public servants. By state law, public servants must take one hour of training each year on the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics. Failure to take annual Ethics training violates the Louisiana Code of Governmental Ethics. Violations may carry fines of up to $10,000.

Southern University System State Agency Ethics Liaison

Jeremiah J. Sams, Esq.

System Director for Compliance

(P) 225-771-4680

J.S. Clark Administration Building, 4^th Floor

Southern University System

Baton Rouge, LA 70813

compliance@sus.edu

Whistleblower Protection for Public Employees

Louisiana law protects public employees who report information which they reasonably believe is a violation of any provision of law, or any other acts of impropriety related to the scope or duties of public employment, to their agency heads, the Louisiana Board of Ethics, or any person or entity of competent authority or jurisdiction. Any public employee who reports a potential violation shall be free from discipline or reprisal from his employer. This law (La. R.S. 42:1169) is enforced by the Louisiana Board of Ethics. A public employee who is wrongfully suspended, demoted, or dismissed due to the reporting of any act of wrongdoing shall be entitled to reinstatement of his employment, as well as the receipt of any lost income or benefits. A person who is a public employee because of a contractural arrangement with a governmental entity or agency, whose contract is wrongfully suspended, reduced, or terminated as an act of reprisal for reporting an alleged act of impropriety, shall be entitled to reinstatement of his contract and receipt of any lost compensation under the terms of the contract. For additional infomration, please see the following notice:

Whistleblower Protection for Public Employees