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When Critical Thinking Becomes Bronze

New College of Florida to Commission Charlie Kirk Statue


Florida’s public liberal arts college, New College of Florida in Sarasota, announced in mid-September 2025 that it will commission a statue of Charlie Kirk on campus. Kirk, a 31-year-old conservative activist and founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot at a Utah college event on September 10, 2025. In an official statement on social media, New College trustees said they will honor Kirk’s memory by commissioning a statue “to honor his legacy and incredible work after his tragic assassination last week.” The announcement stressed that the memorial would be privately funded by community leaders and would stand “as a commitment by New College to defend and fight for free speech and civil discourse in American life.”


Charlie kirk speaking into a mic in front of a crowd, wearing a white "FREEDOM" shirt. Red caps and bottled drinks on table. Outdoor setting.
Charlie Kirk speaking (before he was shot at Utah Valley U.)  Photo by Tess Crowley / The Deseret News (via AP)



Commissioning, Funding and Timeline

The idea for the statue arose from donor interest and requests from members of the New College community. Supporters have stepped forward to privately fund the project, ensuring no state funds will be used. Sarasota Magazine reports that the statue will be completed by the end of 2025. While donors have not been identified and the sculptor has not been announced, the college has confirmed that the statue’s design process and approval are underway.


Design Preview and Artist

A preliminary rendering of the statue has already been shared. The design depicts a life-size bronze-colored Charlie Kirk seated at a simple table, holding a microphone. Two empty chairs face him, symbolizing an open invitation to dialogue. The scene mirrors Kirk’s debate forums and Turning Point USA events where he engaged students in discussion. Though the rendering offers a clear vision, it is still labeled a sample, and final design details may evolve before installation.


Bronze statue of Charlie kirk holding a microphone, seated at an outdoor table in a park-like setting with brick buildings and trees in the background.
AI-generated rendering of the proposed Charlie Kirk statue at New College of Florida  Photo Courtesy of New College of Florida


Message and Symbolism

College officials emphasize that the statue is not only a tribute to Kirk but also a broader statement about free expression. They describe the monument as a permanent commitment to “defend and fight for free speech and civil discourse in American life.” Fox News described the statue as a symbol of New College’s pledge to protect the First Amendment and foster civil dialogue.


William Witt, the college’s communications officer, highlighted that the memorial should be a reminder of “what America is all about—having conversations that might be difficult, but that are worth it. Where the best idea wins. Conversations that are civil, and people actually coming together.” The empty chairs incorporated into the design reflect this philosophy, offering a space for metaphorical or even literal dialogue with Kirk’s bronze likeness.


Patriotic memorial display of Charlie Kirk with American flags, balloons, and a black-and-white portrait. Red and white decorations add somber mood.
A memorial for Charlie Kirk, with flowers, flags, and tributes placed in his honor following his assassination. Photo Courtesy of Herald-Tribune

Campus Reactions and Support

The project has sparked immediate reactions and strong support from donors and community leaders. According to Witt, a “tremendous outpouring of people” have pledged contributions to ensure the statue becomes reality. He added that the college is “absolutely thrilled” to honor Kirk’s memory this way. The initiative has also drawn attention from Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who warned that any vandalism against the statue would not be tolerated.


Location and Installation Plans

The precise location of the statue on the Sarasota campus has yet to be determined. Trustees plan to announce the site in the coming months, with installation expected by the end of 2025. While the final setting remains undecided, it is anticipated that the statue will become a prominent landmark on campus—likely in a central courtyard or gathering space.


Charlie Kirk in a suit gestures with hands, speaking passionately on stage. Red and purple blurred background, small U.S. flag pin on lapel.
Charlie Kirk at CPAC (Oxon Hill, MD)  Photo by Kevin Lamarque / Reuters

New College of Florida’s planned Charlie Kirk statue is positioned as both a memorial and a work of public art celebrating open debate. Privately funded and designed as a bronze life-size sculpture, it will join the campus’s collection of public art and serve as a lasting reminder of Kirk’s influence as well as the college’s stated dedication to free expression and civil discourse.


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