Louisiana Attorney General Jeff Landry now agrees with Governor John Bel Edwards about the lawsuit filed by Edwards' predecessor, Bobby Jindal, against the implementation of the Common Core subjects, like Math and English, in schools. Landry's issued statement says that he reached this decision upon further review of the matter.
The Times-Picayune gives the background of the case. Former Republican Governor Bobby Jindal filed a lawsuit against federal officials in 2015, blocking the insertion of Common Core subjects in school curricula. Jindal's action happened during his campaign for the Republican presidential nomination. He asserted that the administration of President Barack Obama was using federal money and policy to force the states into taking on the Common Core subjects. Upon a federal judge's dismissal of the lawsuit, Jindal made an appeal prior to leaving office.
Upon assuming office in January, Edwards stopped the lawsuit. A Common Core critic himself who agreed with Jindal's position, he made his position clear that the lawsuit would take time and money. It was also unnecessary pointing to a new law foribdding federal authorities from dictating state policy and standards.
At first, Landry insisted that the appeal must continue and took a position opposite Edwards, hinting of intervention in his capacity as Attorney General. The two politicians then exchanged heated statements publicly, opening up the issue as to who has the final word when it comes to the appeal.
Education Week reports that Landry finally reverted his position and joined Edwards in stopping the appeal. Elizabeth Murrill, Landry's lawyer, issued this statement, "The Attorney General, after independently reviewing this matter, has concluded he no longer opposes dismissing this appeal."
The News Star prints other statements made by Landry explaining his decision, "When constitutional principles are at stake, it is my duty and responsibility as the state's chief legal officer to precisely, patiently and proficiently review the legal course of action. I will reiterate - my ultimate clients are the citizens, not any department or agency of state government."
