In Memory of Charlie Kirk
Message from University Leaders
Let Freedom Ring: An LSU Lecture Series Promoting Civil Discourse and Wide-Ranging Viewpoints in Honor of Charlie Kirk
In the wake of the assassination of American political activist and media personality Charlie Kirk, LSU seeks to be the first university in the country to tangibly re-assert its commitment to civil discourse and freedom of speech. A wide variety of viewpoints enhances learning and prepares students for public leadership. We are establishing a public lecture series devoted to this cause.
LSU has a long history of visible support for free speech, apparent in such venues as the historic free speech alley and the fact that Mr. Kirk was slated to speak at LSU in October of 2025. We are therefore well-positioned to take leadership on this front.
Politically motivated violence of this nature is intended to instill fear in the populace and to force conformity of political, social and economic thought. Antithetical to core American and LSU values, such extreme violence must be met with intentional and civil dialogue that will educate our community and give them the tools to engage in and promote reasoned civic discourse.
We therefore seek to establish a public lecture series promoting various viewpoints on timely public issues that will also engage the public and serve as a model for the type of public dialogue that ensures a healthy and thriving democratic republic. Speakers will be of national and international stature and recruited from a variety of socio-political viewpoints in keeping with the spirit of Mr. Kirk’s work. The intended audience is students, faculty, staff, and community members, and speakers can be both in-person and through multi-media channels when it makes sense. The initial development goal for this project is $50,000 to $100,000 to start the lecture series, with an annualized sustaining goal of $50,000. The program funds will be donated through the LSU Foundation, and programmatic planning will be managed out of the LSU Office of the President.
Scott Ballard
Chair, LSU Board of Supervisors
Matt Lee
Interim LSU President
Support the Let Freedom Ring Lecture Series Fund
LSU aims to partially endow this fund if contributions reach $100,000, ensuring stable financial support for the series in perpetuity. The university’s ultimate goal is to secure funding to support $50,000 in annual expenditures to continuously offer these opportunities on campus.
If you would like to make your gift by check, make check payable to: LSU Foundation
Notation Line: In Memory of Charlie Kirk
Send to: LSU Foundation
3796 Nicholson Dr.
Baton Rouge, LA 70802
The LSU Foundation will share notices about memorial gifts with university leaders and, potentially, Charlie Kirk’s family. We do not share the gift amount unless a donor explicitly gives us permission to do so.