Wisconsin Association of Scholars Statement on the Assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University

“…the University of Wisconsin will not be swayed by temporary vogues or political trends, even if they should prevail at other institutions.”

We, the undersigned members of the Board of Directors of the Wisconsin Association of Scholars, are university faculty members in Wisconsin who categorically condemn the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Charlie Kirk exemplified the UW's historic mission of encouraging the "continual and fearless sifting and winnowing" of ideas and academic inquiry. He was murdered while exercising his free speech rights by engaging in intellectual discussion on a college campus. Thus, his assassination is a direct attack on all universities and their core mission.

We stand strongly for the protection of free speech on college campuses for people of all viewpoints, and we call on the Universities of Wisconsin, the Medical College of Wisconsin, other Wisconsin universities, and other faculty to issue statements reiterating their support for free speech on campus, as well as condemning the horrific murder of Charlie Kirk while engaging in such. We further urge the universities to enforce their codes of conduct when it comes to any attempt to intimidate or restrict free speech on campus. And we demand that universities continue to allow speakers of all viewpoints, including conservative speakers, on campus. Our views are our own and do not represent the institutions where we work.

“Whatever may be the limitations which trammel inquiry elsewhere, we believe that the great state University of Wisconsin should ever encourage that continual and fearless sifting and winnowing by which alone the truth can be found.” the UW Board of Regents, Sept. 18, 1894.

Robert Feidler

Russell Gonnering

Jessica McBride

Shale Horowitz

Brian Volkman

Benjamin Whitcomb