LSUNO to Evict Local Nonprofits by October 31

The university is requiring four organizations to vacate campus space to accommodate expanding athletics operations.

Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Higher Education

LSUNO to Evict Local Nonprofits by October 31

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Should universities provide nonprofits more time to relocate when repurposing campus office space?

LSUNO has ordered four nonprofits to vacate the Training, Resource and Assistive-Technology Center by October 31. The decision stems from the university's plan to move its athletics department into the space currently occupied by these organizations.

Why it matters

This move forces several community organizations to find new locations on short notice to support the university's infrastructure changes. The university also plans to lease its Human Performance Center to Benjamin Franklin High School under a 30-year agreement.

SOUL Nola reports its new headquarters costs three times more than its previous 750-square-foot office space. Silence is Violence had occupied six offices within the university's TRAC building for eight years prior to receiving the notice.

The players

LSUNO

This is a higher education institution in New Orleans that is reallocating campus facilities for athletics and external partnerships.

SOUL Nola

This is a nonprofit organization focused on urban forestry that is among the groups required to relocate its headquarters.

Silence is Violence

This is a local advocacy nonprofit that occupied office space in the university's training facility for eight years.

Benjamin Franklin High School

This is a public charter school that has entered a 30-year lease agreement to utilize the university's Human Performance Center.

The details

The impacted organizations include Silence is Violence, Project NOLA, Court Watch NOLA, and SOUL Nola, all of which were given one month's notice. The university denied a request from Silence is Violence for a five-day extension to facilitate their move.

September 28, 2026: Nonprofits received lease termination notices.
October 17, 2026: SOUL Nola postponed a scheduled tree planting event.
October 31, 2026: Deadline for the nonprofits to vacate the campus.
November 5, 2026: Earliest date a new office space was available for some tenants.

Culture Shift

The university's move reflects a broader trend of institutions prioritizing long-term revenue-generating leases over legacy nonprofit partnerships. This shift marks a departure from community-integrated campus models toward formalized institutional infrastructure growth.

The relocation of these nonprofits may disrupt access to community services and advocacy resources previously concentrated on the university campus. Affected organizations must now navigate significantly higher operational costs and the logistical challenge of moving within a one-month window.

The takeaway

The sudden eviction highlights the vulnerability of community organizations relying on month-to-month university leases. Nonprofits operating on institutional campuses should prioritize securing long-term contracts to avoid similar displacement risks.