New College to commission statue of Charlie Kirk on campus

A statue of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk will soon stand on New College of Florida’s Sarasota campus.

“Charlie Kirk knew that universities are ground zero for free speech and the marketplace of ideas. These ideas are not luxuries, but the foundation of a free republic,” said New College President Richard Corcoran.

“His life and tragic death remind us all that a nation cannot survive if it abandons these rights. At New College, we will not step back from this responsibility — we will champion it and seek to be known as the number one college in the nation when it comes to supporting civil debate and freedom of speech.”

Kirk owned a vacation home in Longboat Key in Sarasota County, which is also home to the college campus. He was shot and killed at age 31 in Utah last week, speaking at Utah Valley University, where he was in the middle of a signature public debate of ideas with students.

Since becoming president of New College, Corcoran, a former Florida House Speaker, has promised that the liberal arts school will serve as a platform for a range of policy and cultural debates, particularly in connection with the Socratic Stage series.

Next week, the college will host a discussion of media bias with speakers including conservative physician Scott Atlas, former One America News broadcaster Chanel Rion, conservative radio host Ben Domenech and The Federalist editor Mollie Hemingway.

In announcing the statue’s commission, Corcoran said the public art represented New College’s larger mission of ensuring students, faculty and the community experience free speech and civil discourse at its highest level.

The public university announced on Tuesday that it plans to commission the statue, but that it will be funded entirely through public donations. A location has not yet been announced.

Debra Jenks, Chair of the New College Board of Trustees, said that it has been core to the college’s mission for its entire life span.

“Since its founding in 1960, New College has stood as a place where the free exchange of ideas is not only protected but celebrated,” Jenks said. “This statue will serve as a reminder of that history and our responsibility to carry it forward. Public discourse is not optional in a free society — it is essential.”

Kirk founded Turning Point USA, now a major student organization with chapters across the country, including at New College.

“Charlie Kirk inspired me to lead our Turning Point chapter at New College,” said Jackson Dawson, president of the school’s chapter. Meeting him affirmed my commitment to champion free speech and open dialogue. Our chapter is honored to help the effort to establish a tribute statue on campus. We want to raise awareness, help secure support, and ensure that future generations inherit a legacy of open dialogue and the courage to speak freely.”

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