Oklahoma state senators have introduced a bill requiring all state colleges to erect and protect statues honoring the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
The proposal came as President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and other leading Republicans attended a memorial service at the 63,000 capacity State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona for the late 31-year-old podcaster and activist who was killed in Utah on September 10.
Why It Matters
The dramatic move by supporters of the late Trump-ally will spark fierce debate over free speech and institutional autonomy.
The proposal represents one of the most forceful legislative attempts yet to enshrine a political figure’s legacy into public higher-education spaces.
White House flags were flown at half-staff on the day of Kirk’s killing in his honor.
Critics have pointed out that the same show of respect was not offered to slain Democratic Minnesota state representative Melissa Hortman, who was shot dead with her husband in their home in what has been described as a “political assassination.”
What To Know
The legislation, introduced by Senators Shane Jett and Dana Prieto, would require every institution of higher education in Oklahoma to devote a prominent location on its main campus—near central quads, student unions or primary entrances—to a memorial for Kirk.
The plaza must include a statue depicting Kirk either seated at a table with an empty seat across from him, or standing with his wife and holding their children. The proposal was first reported by The Guardian.
Permanent signage is also required, describing Kirk as a “voice of a generation, modern civil rights leader, vocal Christian, martyr for truth and faith, and free speech advocate.”
The design and size of the statues are subject to legislative oversight and approval.
The deadline for full construction is March 1, 2028. If the public colleges fail to comply with the new rules, they may face financial penalties.
Additionally, the colleges will be responsible for protecting the statues from vandalism. If a student or college employee is found defacing or otherwise vandalizing the commemoration, the bill requires the institution to expel or fire them.
The proposal has generated swift and sharp reactions. Critics argue that treating Kirk like historic civil rights figures such as Martin Luther King Jr. is deeply problematic.
MLK’s children, Martin Luther King III and Bernice King, have publicly rejected the comparison.
They point to what they say are statements by Kirk attacking people of color and Black women in particular, arguing that his rhetoric does not align with the legacy of inclusivity tied to the civil rights movement.
Free speech advocates are likely to see the bill as further examples of the politicization of campus life, forcing universities to uphold a state-mandated narrative.
There is concern over whether public funds should be used in such a prescriptive way and whether signature religious language (“vocal Christian”) in the legislation violates constitutional separation of church and state principles.
The bill is just the latest flash point in the increasingly polarized debate around issues of commemoration of contentious political figures in public spaces and student protests on campuses.
The proposed legislation comes after Ryan Walters, the superintendent of schools in Oklahoma, ordered schools across the state to observe a moment of silence for Kirk.
The Republican, who oversees the Oklahoma State Department of Education, has identified 70 teachers and 12 districts for “vile rhetoric & refusing to honor [Kirk’s] memory.”
What People Are Saying
State Superintendent of Oklahoma Ryan Walters said on X: “It has been one week since Charlie Kirk’s horrific political assassination. 70 teachers + 12 districts have been identified for vile rhetoric & refusing to honor his memory.
“Districts will be held accountable and teachers will not be teaching in Oklahoma classrooms.”
Martin Luther King III told a reporter in Virginia: “I just disagree with the position that his force was about inclusiveness. When you denigrate Black women and say that somebody is in a position just because of the color of their skin, that’s gravely false.”
Senator Rick Scott told the US Senate: “As we mourn this massive loss, let us gather together in our communities and pray for his family and our nation. And let us honor Charlie by believing in the power of our ideas to win the day and leave the nation a better place.
“I am proud to have the support of more than 20 of my colleagues to honor Charlie by dedicating his birthday – October 14, 2025 – as “National Day of Remembrance for Charlie Kirk.”
What Happens Next
The proposed bill will go through the usual legislative process and then onto the state Senate floor for consideration.
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