The recent murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk has ignited a fierce debate across college campuses in the United States. Students are voicing their concerns over Kirk’s legacy and the implications of his death for free speech, campus safety, and the treatment of marginalized groups. This frequent situation brings up concerns not just about added censorship but the militarization of higher education spaces.
Kirk, well known for his inflammatory comments about Black Americans and transgender people, has emerged as a dangerous figure. His assassination, many contend, may mark a terrifying new turn toward a purging and eradication of a hostile environment against those who oppose it. The challenge made by former Texas State University student Devion Canty Jr. garnered national media attention. He was recorded mocking Kirk’s death at a memorial event going on at his home university. This move resulted in considerable backlash, including demands for Canty’s expulsion from Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Canty wasn’t the only one making waves. Camryn Giselle Booker, another Texas Tech student, garnered national outrage when she was filmed telling protestors, “Y’all homie dead,” at a vigil for Kirk. Each of these incidents has generated understandable panic from students. They might fear the backlash for speaking out, a fear felt most acutely by youth from vulnerable and marginalized communities.
As many as five Black students from Texas universities have been expelled, or opted to leave. This follows the recent exposure of multiple videos that mock Kirk’s death. This growing trend is deeply troubling because of the potential chilling effect on free speech. It further illustrates the chilling effect this has on students willing to engage in uncomfortable conversations.
Students have shared concerns that Kirk’s death could result in heightened surveillance and targeting of those who exercise free speech on college campuses. Interviews with Black, brown, and queer students reveal a palpable sense of discomfort. What troubles them most is the glorification of Kirk in death and what it means for their safety and freedom of expression.
In these post-release discussions, a number of these students echoed their frustration in how to approach these very difficult conversations with their much more conservative family members. Some are even contemplating moving abroad after graduation due to fears exacerbated by the political climate following Donald Trump’s election and now Kirk’s murder.
On September 23, a group of conservative activists conducted an unauthorized visit to Tennessee State University, a historically Black college in Nashville. Talley, a student at the university, commented on the uninvited nature of this event, stating, “We had no idea that they were coming on to our campus to do this.” Another student, Blair, criticized the entitlement exhibited by these activists: “You have to have a certain type of entitlement to come to someone else’s campus unwarranted and to debate students without permission.”
The conversation around Kirk’s legacy is changing. Reactions from high-profile individuals and organizations are further complicating the issue. Governor Greg Abbott declared, “Expel this student immediately. Mocking assassination must have consequences,” referring to Canty’s actions. Meanwhile, Jayme Blaschke from Texas State University condemned such harassment, asserting, “Harassment such as described is in direct opposition to TXST’s shared values, and it damages our community at its core.”
Civil libertarians assert that all speech, no matter how hateful, must be protected in order for a democracy to thrive. Samantha Harris emphasized this point by stating, “Speech on matters of public concern – even speech that deeply offends people – is at the core of our democracy.” She further warned against using political pressure to limit free expression in polarized times: “In these polarized times, we cannot allow fear or political pressure to justify suppressing our most fundamental rights.”
Kirk’s critics make their case, calling him nothing more than a “white man with a big mouth.” Student Alana expresses this desire beautifully. Students felt this inequity acutely and are rightfully frustrated about systemic inequalities. They’re learning how these issues intersect with and inform political discourse in America right now.
Hansford noted that “being angry at Black people is the foundation of a lot of American political energy,” highlighting the underlying tensions that continue to shape political conversations around race and identity.
The picture of Charlie Kirk hugging Jesus has deeply offended many students. Zoe, an Arab American sophomore at Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania, is one of them. She thought it obnoxious and a sign of a bigger American conservatism trend that tends to push away minority voices.
Campuses are now still dealing from the deluge of Charlie Kirk’s creation. Students are more awake than ever to defend their rights in this severely militarized and aggressive climate. The discussions surrounding his legacy serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by marginalized communities in expressing their identities and beliefs openly.