Students for Life of America is advocating for Charlie Kirk’s birthday to be designated as a national holiday. Kristan Hawkins, the president of SFLA, expressed to FOX News Digital that it should be recognized as “Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day,” emphasizing the importance of the First Amendment in various settings, including college campuses and workplaces, even amidst disagreement.
Hawkins noted that Kirk exemplified this commitment to free speech daily during his time on campuses. The organization has over 1,600 pro-life student groups at colleges and high schools throughout the U.S., which depend on free speech protections to reach young individuals targeted by the abortion industry.
Several conservative states, including North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Kentucky, Arizona, and West Virginia, are pursuing local legislation to support this initiative. Hawkins mentioned that they are also lobbying Congress, although the current political climate presents challenges, particularly with a government shutdown looming and a lack of sufficient Republican support in the Senate.
Kirk tragically lost his life on September 10 while lecturing at Utah Valley University. He garnered significant attention over the past five years, debating cultural issues like gender ideology and race, while promoting American values among college students.
In honor of his legacy, Hawkins believes a national holiday would be fitting. Recalling her experiences, she mentioned that she participated in similar outreach initiatives on campuses and had been actively involved in discussions about current events alongside Kirk. SFLA members frequently organize events aimed at raising awareness about abortion and providing support for those in crisis.
In addition to the push for holiday recognition, posthumous honors for Kirk include a Presidential Medal of Freedom awarded at the White House. Although a proposal for a statue in honor of him at a Michigan County Commission meeting was defeated, there are ongoing efforts to celebrate his legacy within educational institutions. Plans to name a highway in Clermont, Florida, after Kirk have also emerged as part of memorializing his contributions.
