The Observer abhors political violence in all its forms, especially as extremists have increasingly relied upon it to silence their opponents. Slaying political figures is repugnant to the most basic principles of democracy.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk was an egregious and monstrous act. Regardless of his political beliefs, which members of this board have varied views on, Kirk advocated for political dialogue on college campuses and was killed engaging in this very activity. People are free to disagree with Kirk’s politics and even think him a horrible person. But attempting to justify Kirk’s death in any way is wrong.
The Observer has published different perspectives on Kirk’s legacy in the past week. Without endorsing any one of these perspectives, we stand by our columnists’ right to share their opinions. If our readers disagree with any column we have published, we encourage them to write their own response, rather than attacking our decision to publish.
Freedom of expression is a value that has defined this newspaper since its inception and one that we continue to hold to. Our duty as an independent student newspaper is not necessarily to present our own opinion on every issue, but rather to provide a forum for open debate to take place. We will exercise this right to its fullest, even in the face of criticism or controversy.
With America’s mounting polarization, it can be difficult for some to understand and humanize the political “other.” Like the rest of American society, college campuses have not been immune to this trend, with one study showing 34 percent of college students are open to the use of violence to stop speeches they disagree with. The Observer finds this troubling, and we seek to protect free speech on this campus, in our pages and beyond. Political violence and the condoning of such have no place in the tri-campus community. In the wake of Kirk’s murder, the assasination of Minnesota legislator Melissa Hortman in June and two assassination attempts on President Donald Trump last year, we must turn down the temperature and find some common ground with our neighbors.
The tri-campus is rich with political diversity and has numerous forums where political beliefs can be discussed. We encourage students to engage actively in these forums and have the courage to disagree respectfully with others. We must be willing to speak to and learn from others to avoid falling into the bottomless pit of echo chambers and personal narratives.
Political violence corrodes the very foundations of our democracy. No one deserves to be killed for exercising their right to free speech. Although Kirk’s legacy can and will be debated, all should affirm his conviction that college campuses should be places where students should be free to speak their minds and engage in constructive debate. At The Observer, we will continue to be an institution where this important work can take place.
