Covering Campus Speech After Charlie Kirk’s Killing

Even before right-wing activist Charlie Kirk was shot and killed at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10, higher education reporters were grappling with how to cover campus controversies over protests, free speech, and academic freedom – all issues expected to be impacted in the wake of his shocking death.

There’s been no shortage of coverage of Kirk’s killing by national – and international – journalists. I encourage you to pay attention to local reporters as well. This includes local reporter Emily Anderson Stern of The Salt Lake Tribune. She was at UTU when Kirk was killed. Speaking with WBUR’s “On Point,” Anderson Stern emphasized there are many unknowns about the suspect in custody. She shared details she was able to confirm. 

Anderson Sterns also provided important context for Utah Gov. Spencer Cox’s widely reported response to the shooting, and how his message differed both in tone and content from some federal officials, including President Trump, who has blamed what he has termed “the radical left.” The entire program is worth a close listen; it includes historical context and analysis, a perspective from one of Kirk’s young supporters who was devastated by his death, and analysis from author Kyle Spencer. 

Spencer’s recent book chronicled the rise of Turning Point USA. Kirk co-founded the organization, which advocates for conservative politics on high school, college, and university campuses. 

For reporters looking for story ideas, a good place to start is on campus access: 

• What, if anything, is changing in who’s invited to speak, and who’s allowed to gather and assemble in public spaces? 
• Are your local colleges and universities ramping up security for public events? 

As Katherine Hidalgo Bellows reported for The Chronicle of Higher Education, campuses have sometimes defaulted to a nebulous claim of “safety concerns” to refuse outright to host political activities or controversial speakers. 

“Kirk’s slaying raises questions about colleges’ ability — and willingness — to host divisive figures at a time of heightened political violence,” Bellows wrote. “If colleges, entrusted with fostering the free exchange of ideas, can’t feature controversial speakers because of safety fears, are they taking a necessary measure or failing to meet their mission?”

For tips on how to cover campus speech, check out these resources:

• A recent EWA reporter guide offers guidance, including thoughts shared on a panel at EWA’s 2025 National Seminar, on covering the complicated current status of academic freedom. 
• After recent firings of professors, which raised new academic freedom and speech concerns, The Texas Tribune is also focusing on these issues.  
• At EWA’s 2024 seminars, we focused on the shifting landscape for free speech on campus, as well as how to cover campus protests. 

EWA also has numerous other resources to help reporters at all levels approach these complex issues with a nuanced and thoughtful lens – precisely the kind of coverage that is badly needed in a fractured information landscape. 

Remember, too, that your peers can be a great source of support and insights. Join the EWA Listserv to ask questions, share tips, and more.