According to published reports, Bill Lavender, director of the University of New Orleans Press since 2007, has been ousted from his position and the press has been placed on hiatus by the university administration. News of Lavender's dismissal and the closing of the press began to circulate after students launched an online petition in support of the ousted UNO Press director.
The press’ shuttering and Lavender’s dismissal are reportedly due to budget problems and a mandate to cut the state budget. During his time at UNO, Lavender is credited with giving its publishing program a national profile. Although the press is no longer accepting submissions, it has been reported that UNO administrators are working on a plan to eventually revive the press.
