LSU announces speaker series to honor Charlie Kirk, promote free speech 

Louisiana State University is creating a lecture series to honor Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and promote free speech on campus.

The project, “Let Freedom Ring: An LSU Lecture Series Promoting Civil Discourse and Wide-Ranging Viewpoints in Honor of Charlie Kirk,” will highlight the late conservative commentator’s advocacy for American values, according to Campus Reform.

The LSU Foundation said it “seeks to be the first university in the country to tangibly re-assert its commitment to civil discourse and freedom of speech.”

“LSU has a long history of visible support for free speech, apparent in such venues as the historic free speech alley,” the release notes.

The series will provide perspectives on contemporary issues and serve as a guide for dialogue “that ensures a healthy and thriving democratic republic,” while benefiting students’ education and preparing them for leadership positions, the foundation said.

Kirk was assassinated Sept. 10 at Utah Valley University during his first stop on his American Comeback Tour. He had been scheduled to speak at LSU on Oct. 27, hosted by the university’s Turning Point USA chapter.

“Politically motivated violence of this nature is intended to instill fear in the populace and to force conformity of political, social and economic thought,” LSU Board Chair Scott Ballard and Interim President Matt Lee wrote in a message announcing the series.

“Antithetical to core American and LSU values, such extreme violence must be met with intentional and civil dialogue that will educate our community and give them the tools to engage in and promote reasoned civic discourse,” he added.

The LSU Foundation is seeking $50,000 to $100,000 in donations to launch the lecture series, which will be open to students, faculty, staff and members of the surrounding community.

Ethan Vogin, vice president of Turning Point USA at LSU, welcomed the news.

“When I started LSU in 2021, conservative voices were not wanted, let alone funded and supported,” Vogin told Campus Reform. “It shows that LSU is open to conservatives, and LSU is not going to put up with liberal bias viewpoint discrimination anymore, and that is what I’m so proud of.”

LSU’s permanent memorandum says the school supports free speech.

“LSU strives to ensure the fullest degree of protection for the political views and freedom of association of its students, faculty, staff, and invited guests,” the school’s policy says. “This freedom comes with a responsibility to welcome and promote expression for all people and all ideas, even when there is disagreement or opposition.”