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SARASOTA, Fla. — A week has passed since the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
“He was definitely a role model and a mentor to a lot of young people, especially me,” said Jackson Dawson, a student at New College of Florida.
WATCH: New College of Florida commissions statue of Charlie Kirk
New College of Florida commissions statue of Charlie Kirk
Dawson, who serves as President of the school’s Turning Point USA chapter—the organization founded by Kirk—expressed pride in the college’s decision to honor his legacy. This week, New College announced plans to erect a statue of Kirk.
“I’m glad we’re able to remember him,” Dawson stated. “He was big on free speech, and that’s what New College is really promoting here—open dialogue, regardless of differing opinions.”
The statue will be positioned on campus “as a commitment by New College to defend and fight for free speech and civil discourse in American life.”
New College of Florida
Amid extensive discussions online, Tampa Bay 28 reporter Mary O’Connell visited the campus to gather student opinions.
“I don’t see why he, of all the people who were killed on that same day, is being commemorated,” commented student Victoria Taylor. “I don’t think it’s a wonderful person to be commemorated.”
“I think it’s an absolutely magnificent idea,” countered student Roman Stroev. “The guy changed this country so much.”
The thoughts of New College alumni were also considered. Chris Paget, who attended from 1999 to 2004, expressed his disapproval of the statue.
WFTS
“It feels very impulsive and opportunistic and, I guess, one word would be disrespectful of the folks who went there,” Paget remarked. “I wish the environment were more welcoming to understanding the radical changes; it really was a landmark school during our time, almost the golden era for differing opinions and embracing diversity.”
New College has stated that community leaders will privately fund the statue, and the specific location for its placement will be revealed in the coming months.
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Key Information
- Incident: Assassination of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist.
- Community Response: New College of Florida plans a statue to honor Kirk.
- Student Opinions: Mixed feelings on the statue; some support, others oppose.
- Funding: The statue will be privately funded by community leaders.
- Location Details: The site for the statue will be announced in the coming months.
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Article original publish date: 2025-09-17 21:43:00
Article source: www.tampabay28.com
Read the full story at the original source: www.tampabay28.com
