Conservative students warn free speech under threat after Kirk killing

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Charlie Kirk's story, as told in his own words

The Will Cain Show' takes a look back at Charlie Kirk's life and times, as told by the Turning Point USA founder himself.

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After the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk at a Utah campus event on Wednesday, conservative students at Boston University (BU) are calling on university leaders to protect them from violence or intimidation.

BU College Republicans Vice President Philip Wohltorf, who also works as a legislative aide in the Massachusetts State Senate, told Fox News Digital that Kirk’s death has left conservative students shaken.

"Universities are supposed to be marketplaces of ideas. If speakers or conservatives now have to worry about being shot or facing violence, then this marketplace closes," Wohltorf said.

The group sent a letter Thursday to BU President Melissa Gilliam asking the university to hold accountable students promoting violence in the wake of the tragedy and provide "appropriate security" for upcoming College Republican events. The letter also accused the university of fostering a culture where conservative students felt intimidated to share their views.

Students from Massachusetts of Technology, Harvard University and others rally at a protest encampment by The Scientists Against Genocide on Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Kresge Lawn on April 22, 2024, in Cambridge, Massachusetts.  (Photo by Scott Eisen/Getty Images)

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"At BU, conservative students have long been marginalized, silenced by fear of social intimidation, academic penalty or hostility," the students wrote. "Rather than fostering intellectual diversity, the university has allowed a single ideological perspective to dominate, leaving students of differing opinions isolated."

Wohltorf said he was dismayed to see comments from some students on social media forums like Reddit and Yik Yak celebrating Kirk’s death, calling the posts "disgusting."

"We may disagree with one another, but at the end of the day, we should talk rather than shooting people or committing violent acts," he said.

The club, which recently began publicizing its meeting times, now fears openness could make it a target.

"We want to make sure this stays a safe space for our members," Wohltorf said, adding that some students have already asked for security at their next meeting.

BU College Republicans vice president says universities risk losing their role as marketplaces of ideas if conservatives fear violence or intimidation for speaking out. (iStock)

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Despite the fear, Wohltorf said the group feels compelled to carry on Kirk’s legacy of free speech and debate. In the past 24 hours, he said several new students have signed up for the College Republicans’ mailing list and pledged to attend their next meeting.

Wohltorf said his university reflects a broader "diversity of thought problem" in higher education. He pointed to a 2023 survey from the Harvard Crimson that found just under 3% of Harvard professors in the Arts and Sciences departments identified as conservative, while more than 75% identified as liberal. In the 2025 annual survey, the number of faculty who identified as conservative rose to 9%.

He said colleges should commit to hiring more conservative professors and encourage open dialogue between students of different views.

Attempts to spark that debate on campus have been met with silence, according to Wohltorf, who said he has repeatedly reached out to left-leaning student groups about hosting a debate but has been ignored.

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Despite fears, student leaders vow to continue Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk’s legacy of debate and free speech on campus. (Trent Nelson/The Salt Lake Tribune via Reuters)

Kirk was known for welcoming debate and challenging liberal orthodoxy on college campuses. He had just kicked off Turning Point USA’s "The America Comeback Tour" at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10 when he was fatally shot by a gunman.

Wohltorf said Kirk left a legacy for conservative students to follow.

"We feel obligated to continue Charlie Kirk’s mission and legacy because he stood for free speech, the First Amendment, and challenging one another on campus through debates and ideas," Wohltorf said.

A spokesperson said Gilliam plans on addressing the letter and pointed to BU's policy welcoming all students to express their political beliefs and have healthy dialogue.

"We work hard to foster civil discourse among the BU community. As you may know, we’ve had world leaders, controversial speakers, etc., at BU many times over the years, and we take all necessary steps to ensure the safety and security of our guests and the BU community. We’ll continue to do so with the assistance and coordination with appropriate local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. We condemn violence and our hearts go out to the Kirk family, his friends and supporters, and to every American," the spokesperson added in a statement to Fox News Digital.

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