Following the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a student-led movement is pressuring universities nationwide to terminate faculty and staff who made critical comments about him on social media. The campaign, spearheaded by Auburn University freshman Brilyn Hollyhand, involves direct appeals to university presidents and calls for donors to withhold financial support.
Key Takeaways
- A student movement is calling for the termination of university staff who posted negatively about Charlie Kirk after his death.
- Brilyn Hollyhand, an Auburn freshman, is leading efforts, including advising donors to halt contributions to non-compliant universities.
- Several universities, including Auburn, have already terminated employees, while others like the University of Alabama face pressure to act.
- The situation has ignited a debate on campus free speech, employee conduct, and the influence of political activism in higher education.
Student Activists Mobilize After Kirk's Death
In the wake of Charlie Kirk's death, a coordinated effort among conservative students has emerged on college campuses. The movement's primary objective is to hold university employees accountable for public statements perceived as celebrating or endorsing the activist's death.
Brilyn Hollyhand, a freshman at Auburn University and a prominent young political activist, has taken a leading role. Hollyhand, who described Kirk as a mentor, stated he is organizing students and communicating directly with university administrators to demand action.
"I have made my thoughts clear to several of them across the country, in personal relationships that I have with some of the people that lead these campuses, this is one of those things that we’re watching, and inaction will be called out," Hollyhand said.
The campaign's strategy extends beyond campus advocacy. Hollyhand has openly discussed advising financial contributors to reconsider their support for institutions that do not discipline staff members for their online comments.
"I’ve spoken with a lot of donors that don’t want to be supporting universities that keep professors on payroll, that applaud assassinations," he explained. "We’re very, very happy to make a few calls and help withhold donor money if that’s something that continues."
Universities Respond to Mounting Pressure
The student-led pressure campaign has yielded results at some institutions. Auburn University confirmed it has terminated multiple individuals for posts related to Kirk's death. This has set a precedent that activists are now using to influence other schools.
Background: Charlie Kirk and Campus Activism
Charlie Kirk was the founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative organization with a presence on an estimated 3,500 college campuses. He was known for a provocative style of communication and frequently criticized university professors and administrators for what he described as overly progressive or "woke" policies and statements.
Focus on the University of Alabama
The University of Alabama has become a focal point of the movement. As of Thursday, the university had not publicly responded to demands to discipline at least four staff members flagged by conservative students for their social media activity. Hollyhand expressed his disappointment, stating he was "disgusted" by the university's lack of public action.
Trenton Buffenbarger, a senior at the University of Alabama, echoed this sentiment, arguing that professors hold a position of power over students. "You have power over their grades, you have power over what they learn, and you’re over here promoting the death of someone," Buffenbarger said. "It’s irresponsible, and it’s even more irresponsible that the university is letting it happen."
Similar demands have been made regarding one staff member at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The University of Alabama system has not issued a formal comment on the matter.
The Debate Over Free Speech and Employment
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the limits of free speech for public employees, particularly in educational settings. While university professors have historically been afforded broad protections for academic freedom and speech, this situation tests those boundaries.
John Wahl, chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, argued that employment status does not provide unlimited protection for all forms of speech. "Employers should always have the right to fire someone, especially if it’s affecting that organization," Wahl stated. He believes state employees and professors should not appear to support someone's death.
National Impact
The issue is not confined to Alabama. Reports indicate that K-12 school districts in various states have also warned staff against making inappropriate comments online. At least one educator in Montgomery and another in Marshall County are reportedly under investigation for their posts.
Critics of the firings argue that they could create a chilling effect on speech, where employees fear professional repercussions for expressing personal political opinions, even outside the workplace.
Remembering Kirk on Campus
While some students push for administrative action, others are focused on honoring Kirk's memory and continuing his work. On September 17, approximately 300 people gathered for a memorial event in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The event featured conservative personalities CJ Pearson and Savannah Chrisley and raised money for Kirk's widow, Erika.
"His life was so much more impactful than his death," said Luke Troutman, a senior at Auburn University. "His platform was based off giving people room for civil engagement and allowing peaceful exchange of ideas."
Riley McArdle, a senior who helped organize the Tuscaloosa event, spoke of the deep impact of Kirk's death. "He’s made a huge impact," McArdle said. "And we all just saw him get brutally murdered, live. It’s going to traumatize a generation."
However, not all students share this view. Jaleel Matanmi, a freshman at the University of Alabama, expressed surprise at the memorials. "They’re having memorials, they’re putting murals up in his name, like he was some kind of hero," Matanmi said. "I just marked him as another racist guy who spread nothing but hate around every place that he went."
For his supporters, Kirk remains a heroic figure who inspired them to be outspoken. "He really inspired you to be bold in your faith and in your conservative values," said Emma White, a recent graduate. This determination to continue his legacy is now fueling the push for accountability on college campuses across the country.