By: Hannah Moore

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (UATV) – Turning Point USA (TPUSA), affiliated at the University of Arkansas, held a memorial for late political activist, Charlie Kirk, Thursday, September 11. The peaceful event took place around 5 p.m. at the Greek Amphitheater, with Turning Point’s executive staff leading it. Students, faculty, and the Fayetteville community joined together to honor his life and legacy, and were encouraged to come dressed in red to support Kirk. 

The event started off with Dino Fantegrossi, TPUSA chapter president, holding a community prayer in light of the tragic events the day before. Kirk was killed by a singular bullet speaking at a Utah Valley University rally. 

“Go about all of this with grace and compassion,” Dino said. “The only way that this could have been avoided is change in our justice system.”

Over 300 attendees joined together across the amphitheater, filling the space with a sense of unity and remembrance of Kirk’s lasting impact. Kirk was known for reaching out to the younger generation of voters to hear different beliefs and political viewpoints, while also relaying his own conservative beliefs and Christian ideals. 

University of Arkansas’ Police Department (UAPD) patrolled the premises to help maintain a safe, welcoming environment for attendees. The heavy police presence is regulated under university policy regarding large free expression events to help campus remain in operation without interference.

“We are out here to make sure that the event goes smoothly, that there’s no issues, and that everybody stays safe,” Public Information Officer Matt Mills said. “If you’re at large events, regardless of if there’s a sporting event or political event or whatever it might be, pay attention to the things around you.” 

At the University of Arkansas, freedom of speech is protected under the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and the Arkansas Constitution. The university embraces an environment that preserves free speech for its primary purpose of education. The Facilities Use policy establishes reasonable time, place, and manner for the use of universities facilities and outdoor space for expressive activity. 

This policy allows registered students, faculty, and staff generally to reserve free-expression spaces without any fees. Other unaffiliated individuals or groups not within the university are able to use outdoor spaces designated for free expression, but may need prior approval through a reservation process with the Office of Student Affairs or Facilities. In many cases, service fees may be added like security, cleanup, and special equipment.

Designated free-expression spaces include outside “public forums”, like the Greek Amphitheater, or indoor public spaces, like the Union Mall, that are available for affiliated and unaffiliated individuals or groups. Private indoor spaces like lecture halls, auditoriums, and meeting rooms are only open for affiliated users. Unaffiliated individuals or groups are unable to request classroom or building spaces unless being sponsored by a registered university group.

Under the First Amendment, most types of speech and expressive activity are protected excluding obscenity, threats, targeted statements to provoke physical altercation, or incitement to break the law. Other expressive activity is protected under university policy, no matter the discomfort it may cause.

Support services are readily available for registered students to utilize if affected by public expression on or off campus. Services would include U of A Cares, Let’s Talk, and Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS).