Almost a year after the tragic death of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University, recently released emails have shed light on how some faculty members responded to his assassination. The emails, obtained by Judicial Watch under Utah’s public records law, revealed troubling views expressed by certain university instructors regarding Charlie’s legacy.
Glenn Beck, co-founder of Blaze Media, pointed out that just twelve days after Charlie’s murder, an instructor commented to the university president, stating that Charlie “appealed to the worst in people.” Beck noted that the instructor accused Charlie of openly expressing prejudices not to promote free speech, but rather to influence others’ thoughts, which is ironic considering the role of a professor is often to shape minds.
This professor went so far as to say that Charlie “preyed on the fears of impressionable kids” and propagated the notion that “hate is natural.” He also insisted that the university should actively resist any attempts to honor Charlie’s memory.
Another faculty member expressed confusion over why anyone would mourn someone he described as having spewed “vituperation.” He lamented that Charlie was ever invited to speak, suggesting the school should have reconsidered, and ominously warned that if any memorial were erected, he personally would leave the university.
Glenn posed a few critical questions in response, asking for specific evidence to support their claims. “Can you show me one quote where Charlie spewed hate?” he challenged. “Not just feelings, actual facts. I’d love to see that context.” He continued, emphasizing that their standards for evidence should align with academic rigor.
What Glenn sensed was that when they searched for evidence, they’d realize that most of what they label as hate was simply differing opinions, just as Charlie’s views likely were. He pointed out that those who vehemently disagreed with Charlie often adopted beliefs about gender and sports that could also be construed as extreme.
“I could easily argue that you express a lot of hate,” Glenn stated. “I could do it just like you did: take your worst statements, strip them of context, and cite them.” Yet, he chose to simply express his profound disagreement rather than resort to those tactics.
He asserted that Charlie never harbored hate for anyone. Instead, he believed in his principles and articulated them, encouraging others to do the same in a rational and open manner. “Isn’t that what universities are supposed to promote?” Glenn questioned.
