The proposal to erect a statue of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at Louisiana State University (LSU) has sparked significant backlash from women’s basketball star Flau’jae Johnson. The plan, which was introduced by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, aims to honor Kirk’s commitment to defending free speech on college campuses. Kirk, who tragically passed away at the age of 31 in September 2023 following a shooting, has been a polarizing figure in American politics.
Johnson, a prominent player for the LSU Tigers, expressed her discontent with the statue proposal through social media. After encountering a post regarding the initiative, she quote-tweeted it, responding with a simple “????.” This reaction hinted at her disbelief and disagreement with the idea.
In a follow-up tweet, Johnson took a firmer stance, stating, “For the sake of clarity, if you align yourself with or endorse his racist rhetoric and discriminatory views toward people of color, I respectfully ask that you utilize the unfollow option at the top right of my profile.” Her message, which has since garnered attention, clearly articulates her position on Kirk’s legacy and the implications of honoring him in such a manner.
The debate surrounding the proposed statue reflects broader discussions about free speech, representation, and the values upheld by educational institutions. Kirk’s legacy is marked by his controversial views, particularly concerning race and social issues, which has drawn both support and condemnation from various groups.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how the LSU Board of Supervisors will respond to Governor Landry’s request and what impact this will have on the university community. Johnson’s passionate response underscores the importance of representation and inclusivity in the ongoing dialogue about free speech and its boundaries in academic settings.
