New College to Erect Statue of Charlie Kirk on Campus

Key Information

• Event: Statue of Charlie Kirk to be erected at New College of Florida
• Location: Sarasota campus of New College of Florida
• Commissioner: New College President Richard Corcoran
• Funding: Statue funded through public donations
• Purpose: To promote free speech and civil discourse
• Upcoming Event: Discussion on media bias featuring conservative speakers
• Founder: Charlie Kirk is the founder of Turning Point USA

A statue of slain conservative activist Charlie Kirk will soon stand on New College of Florida’s Sarasota campus.

“Charlie Kirk knew that universities are ground zero for free speech and the marketplace of ideas. These ideas are not luxuries, but the foundation of a free republic,” said New College President Richard Corcoran.

“His life and tragic death remind us all that a nation cannot survive if it abandons these rights. At New College, we will not step back from this responsibility — we will champion it and seek to be known as the number one college in the nation when it comes to supporting civil debate and freedom of speech.”

Kirk owned a vacation home in Longboat Key in Sarasota County, which is also home to the college campus. He was shot and killed at age 31 in Utah last week during a signature public debate with students at Utah Valley University.

Since assuming office, Corcoran, a former Florida House Speaker, has emphasized that the liberal arts school will be a platform for diverse policy and cultural debates, particularly through the Socratic Stage series.

Next week, the college will host a discussion on media bias featuring speakers such as conservative physician Scott Atlas, former One America News broadcaster Chanel Rion, conservative radio host Ben Domenech, and The Federalist editor Mollie Hemingway.

In announcing the statue’s commission, Corcoran noted that the public art symbolizes New College’s mission to promote free speech and civil discourse.

The public university has stated that the statue will be entirely funded through public donations, though a location for the statue has yet to be determined.

Debra Jenks, Chair of the New College Board of Trustees, emphasized that the college has always been committed to protecting and celebrating the free exchange of ideas.

“Since its founding in 1960, New College has stood as a place where the free exchange of ideas is not only protected but celebrated,” Jenks stated. “This statue will serve as a reminder of that history and our responsibility to carry it forward. Public discourse is not optional in a free society — it is essential.”

Kirk founded Turning Point USA, a prominent student organization with chapters nationwide, including one at New College.

“Charlie Kirk inspired me to lead our Turning Point chapter at New College,” said Jackson Dawson, president of the school’s chapter. “Meeting him affirmed my commitment to champion free speech and open dialogue. Our chapter is honored to help the effort to establish a tribute statue on campus. We want to raise awareness, help secure support, and ensure that future generations inherit a legacy of open dialogue and the courage to speak freely.”

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