In a stunning display of ideological malice, a progressive student group at Utah Valley University (UVU) is set to protest a memorial honoring Turning Point USA (TPUSA) founder Charlie Kirk on the first anniversary of his assassination on campus. This act of blatant disrespect highlights the radical left’s relentless campaign against conservative voices and basic human decency, even in the face of tragedy.
TPUSA announced it will host the 'Freedom Built to Last Memorial' on September 10 at UVU’s UCCU Center. The event aims to honor Kirk, described as a "faith-filled husband, father, and defender of free speech," and to galvanize students and supporters to continue his critical work. Notable conservative figures, including radio host Glenn Beck and Christian author Frank Turek, are scheduled to speak, underscoring the significance of Kirk's legacy.
However, the solemn occasion is being targeted by UVU’s Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) club. According to The Salt Lake Tribune, this radical group plans a protest just before the memorial, demonstrating an appalling lack of empathy and a clear intent to disrupt legitimate, peaceful remembrance.
The SDS club penned an open letter, reportedly signed by over 600 individuals, vehemently condemning the university’s decision to allow TPUSA to use campus facilities. In their letter, these students unleashed a barrage of predictable progressive smears, claiming TPUSA is an "openly racist and antagonistic organization" that uses a "narrative of victimhood" to advance "chauvinistic and divisive ideas." Such inflammatory rhetoric is a hallmark of the left’s attempts to silence dissent and demonize any perspective that challenges their woke orthodoxy.
Adding to the hypocrisy, Utah Valley University had previously announced it would cancel classes on September 10 for a “day of healing, service and connection”—an apparent acknowledgment of the profound impact of Kirk’s death on campus. Yet, UVU President Jon Anderson, while stressing the event isn't university-sponsored, defended allowing TPUSA to proceed, stating the institution must "stay apolitical." Funny how “apolitical” often translates to allowing leftist disruptions while conservatives are expected to tolerate such attacks silently.
The President’s claim that "Any entity could’ve used that space, and they chose to have that day. And we allowed them to do that" rings hollow when a memorial for a figure killed on that very campus is met with such vitriol. It seems common sense and respect for fallen conservative leaders need a permission slip on today's college campuses.
This incident is yet another stark reminder of the battle for free speech and sanity on America’s university campuses. The America First movement, championed by leaders like Charlie Kirk, is dedicated to upholding the values of freedom, faith, and robust debate. When progressive mobs attempt to cancel remembrance and demonize conservative thought, they expose their own intolerance and fear of ideas they cannot control. It is imperative that patriots stand firm against such authoritarian tactics and continue to fight for the principles that Charlie Kirk so courageously defended.
