"We Don't Want His Likeness On Campus": Protesters Move To Block Kirk Memorial At UVU

Utah Valley University (UVU) is facing protests and a petition against a proposed memorial for Charlie Kirk. Kirk was assassinated on campus in September 2025, and the memorial aims to honor him. Protesters argue that Kirk's presence on campus caused them distress and fear that a memorial would be vandalized. They suggest alternative "memorials for unity" like therapy dogs. A petition against the memorial, signed by over 15,000 people, cites Kirk's words and actions as causing pain and division, particularly his support for the Second Amendment. This petition advocates for honoring victims of gun violence instead. Conversely, a petition supporting the memorial has garnered over 21,000 signatures. The author expresses shock at the protests, given UVU's vibrant intellectual community and Kirk's advocacy for free speech. The threat of vandalism or re-traumatization as reasons to block the memorial is seen as chilling and mendacious. The author believes the suggestion of criminal acts should strengthen the university's commitment to the memorial. Despite criticisms, the author finds it depressing that even a memorial to a murdered individual is subject to a "cancel campaign." This situation reflects a concerning sentiment where individuals cannot support a memorial for someone killed on campus, even as critics, due to their opposition to the deceased's views. Kirk, who championed debate and diverse opinions, is now facing a cancel campaign even in death.