Bill Proposes Charlie Kirk Statues at Oklahoma Colleges

mike33692
Sep 22
2 min read

memorial set up of a framed picture of Charlie Kirk and a lit candle

Senators Propose Charlie Kirk Memorials for Every Oklahoma Campus

Two state senators, Shane Jett and Dana Prieto, have filed Senate Bill 1187, which would require every public university in Oklahoma to establish a “Charlie Kirk Memorial Plaza.” The design would include a statue of Charlie Kirk—either him at a table with an empty seat opposite or a sculpture showing Kirk with his family. All designs must get legislative approval.

Required Signage, Penalties, and Vandalism Protection of Statues

The bill also mandates permanent signage in the plaza describing Kirk’s “courage,” “faith,” and role as a “modern civil rights leader,” among other honorifics. If a campus does not comply, the penalty could be a monthly fine of 1% of its state funding. The legislation also requires universities to protect the statues from vandalism.

Pushback and Debate Over Symbolism

The proposal has stirred controversy. Critics argue that equating Kirk with civil rights icons is problematic. For example, Martin Luther King III has publicly rejected attempts to liken Kirk to his father. Concerns also extend to whether imposing such memorials infringes on free speech or academic autonomy. Polls indicate many college students disagree with Kirk’s views, which enlarges the debate over whether honoring him in this way is broadly supported or divisive.

Bill Timing and Legislative Context

Bill #: SB 1187
Filed by: Senators Shane Jett (R-17) and Dana Prieto (R-34)
Related legislation: Another measure in the works, called “Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day,” would designate his birthday (October 14) as a day to celebrate free speech.