(AURN News) — In Oklahoma, Republican state Sen. Shane Jett filed several pieces of legislation centered on Charlie Kirk, the conservative Turning Point USA leader who was shot and killed Sept. 10.
Senate Bill 1188 would make Oct. 14 “Charlie Kirk Free Speech Day” in Oklahoma. Senate Bill 1187 would require every state college and university to set aside a prominent area on its main campus as the “Charlie Kirk Memorial Plaza.” Another measure, Senate Concurrent Resolution 13, would recognize Kirk as a “martyr.”
In a statement, Jett said, “Charlie Kirk was a young, bold voice for truth and a faithful servant of Christ, stolen from us by a vile act of political violence. Now he stands before the Lord, hearing, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”
Jett’s legislation also calls for statues of Kirk and his family.
“In his honor and to perpetuate his legacy as a martyr for truth, faith, and the First Amendment, each institution within The Oklahoma State System of Higher Education shall establish on its campus a dedicated square or plaza; and each such dedicated square or plaza shall be designated as the Charlie Kirk Memorial Plaza to remind all to foster an environment of intellectual freedom, civic engagement, and the principles Kirk championed, ensuring that future generations remember his courage, faith, sacrifice, and contributions to American liberty,” Senate Bill 1187 states.
“Square or plaza plans shall include a statue of Charlie Kirk sitting at a table with an empty seat across from him, or a statue of Charlie Kirk and his wife standing and holding their children in their arms as a central element of the square or plaza design. The statue design and size shall be approved by the Legislature as part of the overall design review and approval process,” the bill continues.
In the past, Kirk faced criticism for comments about various groups, including remarks about Black women and his confidence in having a Black pilot on a flight, which he suggested was the result of diversity, equity and inclusion programs.
Click play to listen to the AURN News report from Jamie Jackson:
