Michigan county’s Charlie Kirk statue proposal blocked by Ferris State

A Michigan County’s effort to immortalize Charlie Kirk has failed.

Ferris State University recently declined to erect a statue of Turning Point USA CEO Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated a few weeks ago.

The effort was proposed by Mecosta County’s Board of Commissioners, who voted to contact Ferris State University President Bill Pink about advancing the process.

Pink responded with a letter blocking the request, citing a policy from the university that will only allow statues of people who left an impact on the school.

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“While we condemn all acts of violence and extend our sympathies regarding Mr. Kirk’s tragic death, the University follows a longstanding practice that limits statues on campus to individuals who have made significant, direct contributions to Ferris State University itself,” the letter stated.

The only statue dedicated to a person on campus is the founder, Woodbridge N. Ferris.

“During the Sept. 18 meeting of the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Chris Zimmerman, R-District 3, read the board a draft letter to send to Pink proposing a statue of Charlie Kirk be erected on the FSU campus. He also presented the board a picture of a similar statue, according to meeting minutes. The board approved sending the letter in a 5-1 vote,” the Detroit Free Press reported.

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Board members reportedly discussed erecting a bronze statue of Kirk’s likeness in collaboration with Ferris State University’s art department. The statue was also going to include a plaque recognizing the collaboration between the board of commissioners and the university.

“Charlie’s gift of public speaking, debate style, and inspirational messages has influenced millions of people across our great nation. He had a real knack for engaging young people in civilized discussions on various topics that influenced public policy. As horrific as his assassination may be, we should not quickly forget his legacy,” the board of commissioners’ letter read.

Ever since Kirk was assassinated Sept. 10 during an event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, the organization has grown and received massive support.

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After Kirk’s massive memorial service on Sept. 13, TPUSA announced that it has received more than 120,000 inquiries from people wanting to start new campus chapters. 

There have been other efforts to immortalize Kirk. Oklahoma officials reportedly want to enshrine Kirk’s legacy into public higher-education spaces within the state.

A highway in Clermont, Florida, has been named after Kirk to memorialize the late conservative activist who was assassinated last month in Utah. 

TPUSA operates 900 official college chapters and approximately 1,200 high school chapters.