Universities in the US hold their breath after Kirk’s murder

The murder of conservative speaker Charlie Kirk at a university in Utah has made American universities fearful that they will face even more pressure.

The United States is in upheaval after Republican activist Charlie Kirk was shot dead during an event on the campus of Utah Valley University.

Kirk was notorious in American higher education. He advised young people not to attend university and even described higher education as a form of fraud. He believed universities were too liberal and progressive, suppressing dissenting opinions.

Prove me wrong

Nevertheless, he enjoyed visiting campuses to debate with students under the motto ‘prove me wrong’. He posted videos on social media showcasing how he bested progressive students. His student organisation, Turning Point USA, also managed a website aimed at ‘exposing’ radical professors at universities.

Furthermore, he was friends with president Donald Trump, for whom he was a speaker at the inauguration. Trump has launched an attack on academic freedom and progressive ideas. He also opposed pro-Palestinian protests at universities.

Kirk himself railed against anything that appeared progressive, from the right to abortion to diversity policies. According to his book Campus Battleground, Americans are embroiled in a war for the ‘soul’ of their country. He also spread misinformation, for example regarding the death of George Floyd, claiming he did not die from police violence but from an overdose.

Blame

The murder of Kirk could undoubtedly have consequences for freedom of speech at universities, according to various articles from American media. Universities have already fired staff and expelled students who, for instance, shared on social media that Kirk had brought this attack upon himself.

Trump, who himself survived a terrorist attack last year, has announced that he will take action against radical left organisations that he claims incite violence.

It is possible that universities will become more cautious in the wake of this murder and prefer to keep controversial speakers off campus, as reported by the Associated Press, and that would not be good for free debate. Another concern: some professors fear that Kirk’s followers will seek revenge, and that they might be the next ones to be shot, notes the news site InsideHigherEd.

The Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the situation is less intense for now. According to EW magazine, this is because there is less freedom at universities here, and speakers like Kirk would never be welcome. Moreover, those who are allowed to speak sometimes face disruptions. The commentary includes several examples of interrupted events, such as with Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans at the University of Amsterdam.

The overwhelming majority of reactions here in the Netherlands, from left to right, amount to a plea for non-violence and freedom of speech. However, there are also more radical voices here. Broadcaster PowNed uncovered students who do not mourn the murder at all or even cheer Kirk’s death. A teacher from a high school also faced backlash for a tweet celebrating ‘Kirk Day’.