Turning Point USA (TPUSA) is scheduled to host a memorial event for its founder, Charlie Kirk, at Utah Valley University (UVU) on September 10, the first anniversary of his death. The organization announced the "Freedom Built to Last Memorial" will honor Kirk and serve as a call for students and supporters to continue his work. The event is set to be livestreamed and will feature speakers including radio host Glenn Beck and author Frank Turek.
In response to the planned memorial, UVU's Students for a Democratic Society club has organized a protest. The student group expressed strong opposition to TPUSA hosting an event on campus on the anniversary of Kirk's death, stating that many students would be negatively affected. In an open letter to campus administration, reportedly signed by over 600 people, the students condemned the decision, asserting that the university president has aligned himself with an organization they describe as "openly racist and antagonistic."
Utah Valley University announced last month that it would cancel classes and close its campus for the day, designating it a day for healing, service, and connection. UVU President Jon Anderson stated that the university is not sponsoring the event but will provide security. He defended the decision to allow TPUSA to use campus facilities, emphasizing the university's need to remain apolitical.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was killed at Utah Valley University. The memorial event aims to commemorate his life and work, while the student protest highlights divisions regarding the organization's presence and message on campus.