Utah Valley University Students Launch Fierce Petition Against Proposed Charlie Kirk Memorial, Citing Divisive Rhetoric

Students at Utah Valley University (UVU) are actively mobilizing against a controversial proposal to establish a campus memorial honoring conservative commentator Charlie Kirk. A petition spearheaded by student groups has garnered significant support, reflecting deep concerns over Kirk's history of what they describe as divisive and inflammatory rhetoric, particularly regarding issues of race, diversity, and election integrity.

The proposed 'Speaker's Memorial,' intended to feature Kirk as its inaugural honoree, is a joint initiative by the UVU College Republicans and the university's Office of Students and Wealth Management.

However, this plan has ignited a firestorm of opposition from a broad coalition of students, including the UVU Democrats, UVU Socialists, and numerous independent student voices who argue that commemorating Kirk would fundamentally undermine the university's stated values of inclusivity and belonging.

A core grievance among the protesting students stems from Kirk's past statements, which they contend are profoundly harmful and alienating.

Among the specific remarks cited are his assertions that less than one percent of Black pilots are 'qualified,' implying that affirmative action policies compromise standards. Students also point to his vehement condemnation of critical race theory as 'evil' and 'anti-American,' and his persistent questioning of the legitimacy of the 2020 presidential election, coupled with remarks downplaying the severity of the January 6th Capitol riot.

For many students, particularly those from marginalized communities, a memorial dedicated to Kirk would not merely be an endorsement of his views but a direct signal that their identities and experiences are not valued on campus.

They argue that such an honor would legitimize rhetoric that has been widely criticized as racist, misogynistic, and transphobic, thereby creating an unwelcoming and potentially hostile environment for a significant portion of the student body.

The petition, which quickly amassed hundreds of signatures, calls upon the UVU administration to unequivocally reject the proposal for the Charlie Kirk memorial.

Students are urging university leadership to uphold its commitment to fostering a truly inclusive and equitable campus, rather than honoring figures whose public discourse contradicts these foundational principles. This current student-led movement also brings to mind past instances where UVU's President Astrid S.

Tuminez publicly distanced the university from Kirk's rhetoric, notably in 2021, when she condemned his 'divisive' and 'hateful' comments. The ongoing petition serves as a powerful reminder of the student body's vigilance and their determination to shape a campus environment that truly reflects its diverse community.