Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Votes to Not Remove South’s Defenders Monument in Lake Charles

Calcasieu Parish Police Jury Votes to Not Remove South’s Defenders Monument in Lake Charles

Published August 13, 2020

On Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, at 5:30 p.m. the Calcasieu Parish Police Jury held a Special Meeting about the South’s Defenders Monument that stands in front of the Calcasieu Parish Courthouse in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This meeting was held after several local citizens asked that the statue be removed from the courthouse grounds, while many others made it known that they want the statue to remain.

Citizens from both sides of the issue spoke and gave their thoughts on the mater during the meeting that lasted over two hours. One speaker in favor of removing the monument refused to leave the podium after speaking to the jurors but after a brief recess, the meeting continued without incident.

At the end of the meeting, there were 4 yes votes (to remove) versus 10 no votes (to keep) meaning the monument will remain.

Votes by jurors:

  • Ashton Richard, District 1 – NO
  • Mike Smith, District 2 – YES
  • Eddie Lewis Jr., District 3 – YES
  • Tony Guillory, District 4 – YES
  • Brian Abshire, District 5 – NO
  • Ron Hayes, District 6 – NO
  • Chris Landry, District 7 – YES
  • Guy Brame, District 8 – NO
  • Anthony Bartie, District 9 – YES
  • Tony Stelly, District 10 – NO
  • Roger Marcantel, District 11 – NO
  • Judd Bares, District 12 – NO
  • Joe Andrepont, District 13 – NO
  • Randy Burleigh, District 14 – NO
  • Tony Tramonte, District 15 – NO

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South's Defenders Monument Lake Charles