University leaders urged to restore open debate after Charlie Kirk's death on campus

Mark H. Smith, president of Southeastern University, marks the anniversary of Charlie Kirk’s killing during a debate at Utah Valley University and uses the moment to criticize the broader retreat from open discourse on campuses. He argues that universities have replaced the traditional liberal-arts model of friction with speech codes and bias-reporting mechanisms that discourage exposure to opposing views. Citing a Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression poll of over 68,000 students, he highlights that a sizable minority find shouting down or even using violence against speakers acceptable.

Smith describes his own institution’s practice of inviting outspoken guests such as former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt and TPUSA Faith director Pastor Lucas Miles, allowing students to engage directly and be evaluated on their argumentative skills. He calls on fellow presidents to adopt clear free-expression policies, resist disinviting speakers, and grade students on their ability to defend contrary positions, asserting that restoring these practices is essential to preventing future tragedies.