DeSantis honors slain Charlie Kirk by naming Florida high school debate trophy after him

DeSantis Honors Charlie Kirk with Debate Trophy

Florida’s Governor, Ron DeSantis, has named a debate trophy in honor of Charlie Kirk, the recently murdered CEO of Turning Point USA (TPUSA). DeSantis emphasized the state’s commitment to enhancing civics education during this announcement.

“We’ve worked hard to make Florida a national model for civics education,” he stated, adding that the Florida Citizenship and Debate Initiative aims to instill a deep appreciation for America’s foundational principles in students.

The trophy, named the Charlie Kirk Award, will be presented to the winner of the upcoming FCDI State Championship, which is set for April 5, 2026, at New College of Florida in Sarasota. A $50,000 scholarship will go to the winner, with a $25,000 scholarship for the runner-up. DeSantis described these awards as a meaningful way to honor Kirk’s legacy.

Kirk was widely recognized for engaging in debates on various cultural issues, including gender ideology and American values, particularly among college students. “It’s important to step out of your comfort zone and question your assumptions,” DeSantis added. “There’s real value in critical thinking.”

In addition to the trophy, DeSantis announced a collaboration between Florida and TPUSA to help establish Chapter America clubs in high schools across the state. These clubs host bi-monthly meetings where conservative students can share their ideas and values, covering themes like patriotism and public discourse.

However, concerns have arisen. The Florida Attorney General’s Office indicated they would take legal action against any public schools that attempt to block TPUSA chapters from forming. Some educational institutions reportedly do not permit these organizations to set up on their campuses.

Oklahoma has also expressed interest in supporting TPUSA, with plans for a chapter in every high school. Kirk’s recent assassination has notably increased public visibility for TPUSA, which now boasts around 900 university and about 1,200 high school chapters.

Efforts to memorialize Kirk have been actively pursued, including a proposal for a statue in Michigan and discussions in Oklahoma about naming facilities in his honor. Furthermore, a highway in Clermont, Florida, has been named after him.