Institutions urged to avoid leveraging Charlie Kirk's demise as a pretext for stifling free expression, inflating safety fees unjustly
In a significant development, more than a dozen state attorneys general have sent a letter to university and college presidents, calling for the protection of free speech on campus following the assassination of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk.
The tragic event occurred on Sept. 10, 2025, at Utah Valley University's campus. The attorneys general unequivocally condemn political violence of any kind, especially the assassination of Kirk.
The letter, spearheaded by Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, addresses the issue of security costs for conservative speakers on college campuses. It refers to the practice of using violence or threats of violence to silence opposing views as the "Assassin's Veto."
The attorneys general argue that universities may violate state laws if they impose exorbitant security fees on student groups while advertising open dialogue across the political spectrum. Such accusations have led to free speech lawsuits, such as the University of California, Berkeley settlement with campus conservative groups in 2018.
One example cited in the letter is the University of New Mexico attempting to charge Turning Point USA over $5,000 in security fees for a conservative speaker event. The attorneys general claim that such practices suppress free speech and are a form of the "Assassin's Veto."
The letter calls for colleges and universities to ensure free discussion and open debate. It also warns against using Kirk's assassination to suppress conservative free speech. Universities may face investigations and potential lawsuits if they use the assassination to silence free speech.
President Donald Trump is expected to attend Kirk's funeral, and conservative nonprofits celebrate the attorneys general's calls for better protecting free speech. University of Oregon sophomore Maggie Thorsby discusses the impact of Kirk on her decision to speak up.
The attorneys general have vowed to investigate complaints about universities that suppress free speech. On September 10, 2025, state Attorneys General participating in the Republican group advocating for free speech protection on college campuses and protesting the 'murder veto' have not been publicly specified.
The assassination occurred during a Turning Point USA event, highlighting the need for vigilance in protecting free speech. The attorneys general's letter serves as a reminder that political violence will not be tolerated and that open debate and free discussion are crucial for a functioning democracy.
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