News Summary
Ferris State University has decided against a proposal to erect a statue of Charlie Kirk, a conservative influencer who was recently assassinated. Despite support from local commissioners, the university maintains a policy of honoring only those who made significant contributions to FSU. Kirk’s limited connection to the university and the adherence to existing guidelines led to the decision, reflecting the institution’s commitment to its traditions regarding memorials.
Ferris State University Says No to Statue of Conservative Influencer
It seems like Ferris State University (FSU) has recently made headlines due to a proposal that didn’t quite gain traction. The university decided against a request to put up a statue of Charlie Kirk, who was a well-known conservative influencer, after he was tragically assassinated at an event at Utah Valley University on September 10. Talk about a bold move—and one that stirred up some conversation!
The Proposal and the Response
The Mecosta County Board of Commissioners stepped in with a proposal to honor Kirk. They reached out to FSU President Bill Pink on September 19, just nine days after Kirk’s untimely passing. The commissioners voted 5-1 in favor of sending this proposal, feeling it would be fitting to recognize Kirk’s influence on public discourse.
When the board gathered on September 18, Commissioner Chris Zimmerman presented the draft letter requesting the statue. He even showed a picture of a statue that looked somewhat like what they had in mind. The letter stressed how Kirk’s impact on discussions, especially among conservatives, should not be forgotten.
FSU’s Statues Policy
However, President Pink laid out the rules of the game in his official response on September 26. It turns out that FSU has a long-standing policy about erecting statues on campus. According to these guidelines, the university only allows statues of individuals who have made significant and direct contributions to FSU.
Currently, the only statue gracing the campus is of the university’s founder, Woodbridge N. Ferris. This makes sense, right? A statue should really reflect the place and the people it honors. And, while it’s sad news for supporters of Kirk, it’s important for FSU to stick to its established policies.
A Brief Look at Charlie Kirk
If you aren’t familiar with Charlie Kirk, he founded Turning Point USA, an organization aimed at promoting conservative values on college campuses. He gained a notably large following and was often associated with former President Donald Trump, attracting attention in various public forums and debates.
Kirk’s connection to FSU is somewhat thin, too. He only briefly attended Harper College in Illinois and there are no records of him ever visiting Ferris State University. This might be another reason the proposal didn’t gain the support it hoped for.
The Final Verdict
David Murray, a spokesperson for FSU, clarified that the proposal from the county commissioners was taken seriously and thoroughly evaluated. Even so, it simply wasn’t in alignment with their current policies. It’s always tough when memories and ideals collide like this.
In summary, while the idea of a statue for Charlie Kirk generated discussion and debate, FSU has chosen to adhere to its existing guidelines. The university expressed condolences concerning Kirk’s tragic death while standing firm on its traditions regarding campus memorials. A respectful choice, no matter how you look at it!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Detroit Free Press
- WZZM 13
- Big Rapids News
- WTVB AM
- Hoodline
- Wikipedia: Charlie Kirk
- Google Search: Ferris State University Charlie Kirk
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Ferris State University
- Google News: Ferris State University Charlie Kirk
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