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Attorneys General Urge Colleges to Safeguard Free Speech in Wake of Charlie Kirk’s Murder
EXCLUSIVE REPORT: More than a dozen state attorneys general have addressed public university and college leaders in a letter, urging them to avoid using the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk as a pretext for suppressing conservative free speech. This communication was delivered on Thursday, as reported to Fox News Digital.
The letter emphasizes serious concerns regarding reports that some university officials are utilizing Kirk’s murder to restrict campus communication. It explicitly states, “Regard for safety is essential, but it is equally vital that institutions do not create an undue burden on free speech. This should not be a disguised tax on the principles of free expression.”
“In this challenging moment for free speech, universities must take actionable steps to uphold these rights and reject what is known as the ‘Assassin’s Veto.’ You are responsible for defending free expression. It is unacceptable to invoke security needs as an excuse to limit that very expression,” the letter continues.
The term “assassin’s veto” refers to efforts where individuals use acts of violence or threats thereof to silence opposing viewpoints. This practice raises significant ethical and legal concerns within academic settings.
The letter highlights an ongoing issue with security costs in regards to conservative speakers on campuses. Colleges have faced criticism for allegedly imposing higher security fees for these individuals.
Previous legal challenges have arisen concerning these practices. Notably, in 2018, the University of California, Berkeley settled lawsuits with conservative groups, including the College Republicans and Young America’s Foundation. These groups claimed that the university applied biased security costs and safety measures that effectively canceled conservative speeches on campus.
Berkeley argued that the elevated security fees were based on assessments from law enforcement about potential disruptions and violence arising from the speakers’ appearances. However, they later reiterated their commitment to free speech and pledged to modify their security fee policies.
The attorneys general insist that universities must implement security fees in a manner that is neutral and equitable, free from content discrimination. Failure to do so could lead to further investigations and legal ramifications.
In a striking example, the letter points to a recent case in New Mexico, where the U.S. District Court granted a preliminary injunction against the University of New Mexico. The university attempted to impose $5,000 in security fees on the organization Turning Point USA for hosting a conservative speaker, Riley Gaines. The court found such a charge to be unjustifiable.
This letter, which gained momentum under the leadership of Republican Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird, has been endorsed by 17 Republican attorneys general across various states, including those from Alabama, Florida, Texas, and Utah among others.
Bird expressed her views to Fox Digital, stating, “The horrific murder of Charlie Kirk serves as a somber reminder of the crucial need to protect free speech. Kirk was killed during a debate on a university campus, a setting where the sharing of ideas is meant to flourish. We cannot let the actions of a violent individual stifle free expression in any capacity. It is imperative for colleges to maintain safety while fostering open discourse and debate.”
Charlie Kirk was fatally shot on September 10 while participating in a Turning Point USA event at Utah Valley University. He was engaged in conversation with students when the tragic incident occurred.
The letter conveys a unified message from the attorneys general, condemning political violence unequivocally: “We were devastated by the assassination of Charlie Kirk on Utah Valley University’s campus. As the chief law enforcement officials of our states, we must collectively denounce all acts of political violence. The fact that this tragedy unfolded during a debate highlights its gravity.”
Moreover, the letter underscores the necessity for state institutions of higher learning to serve as venues for diverse viewpoints. It reinforces that campuses should exemplify the First Amendment’s promise of free expression.
The attorneys general contend that students may be viewed as “consumers” under specific state Consumer Fraud Acts or laws governing unfair practices. They argue that universities may risk violating these laws by imposing excessive fees under the guise of security concerns while promoting themselves as platforms for open dialogue across political lines.
In their correspondence, they affirm, “If complaints arise concerning your institution, our offices will thoroughly investigate the matters in accordance with our responsibilities. We are dedicated to ensuring our higher education institutions adhere to the Constitution.”
Various conservative organizations have welcomed this initiative from the attorneys general as a positive step toward enhancing free speech protections in honor of Kirk’s legacy. Nicole Neily, president of Parents Defending Education, remarked, “This moment calls for decisive action. We are sincerely appreciative that the nation’s attorneys general are reminding university leaders of their sacred duty to uphold free speech and open dialogue.”
Will Hild, executive director of Consumers’ Research, commended Bird’s initiative. He asserted that prolonging the assassin’s veto only serves to undermine Kirk’s ideals and American principles. Hild stated, “Allowing the assassin’s veto to persist means aiding Kirk’s assassin by curtailing free debate. Attorney General Bird’s efforts in unifying state law enforcement to challenge this practice should be a model for others. The recent tragedy necessitates a pivotal shift in the culture of American universities.”
In a somber reflection of the recent events, Kirk’s funeral is set for Sunday in Arizona, with the attendance of notable figures including President Donald Trump expected.
