This is blatant coercion by the state; an act that actively muffles student expression and undermines symbols of inclusion for marginalized communities. As an African American woman, I see this as not just a bill, but an outright repulsive proposal.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Once this bill takes effect, Florida International University will be forced to rename Southwest 17th Street as Charlie James Kirk Street<\/a>, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.\u00a0<\/p>\n This is deeply unsettling, as FIU could lose funding if students and faculty oppose this change. Especially given FIU\u2019s international and diverse student body, agreeing to this bill feels demeaning, as Charlie Kirk\u2019s rhetoric is widely harmful and discriminatory towards them.\u00a0<\/p>\n I wouldn\u2019t want to step foot in, let alone align myself with a university that endorses those derogatory messages. This isn\u2019t just about a road name, it\u2019s an indication of who gets to be heard and who gets silenced.\u00a0<\/p>\n To make matters worse, this bill is completely hypocritical, favoring only those who support his conservative and condescending values. Many public institutions in Florida such as University of South Florida<\/a>, the University of Central Florida<\/a> and FIU have not renamed roads in honor of democratic figures, deceased or living.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n As an African American woman, it bothers me knowing the amount of praise Charlie Kirk receives towards this bill, despite the derogatory speech he long advocated for. Now he\u2019s being celebrated amongst figures like MLK,<\/a> with road-names across Florida\u2019s public universities.<\/p>\n This bill should be opposed by all Florida universities, especially FIU, to respect and protect the dignity of students targeted by Charlie Kirk through his Turning Point USA campaign and public rhetoric.\u00a0<\/p>\n Additionally, FIU should listen to their students and take their voices seriously\u2013 we are the ones who live, learn and shape the university community every day. And I expect my university to stand with their students, not ignore them.\u00a0<\/p>\n FIU should publicly announce their opposition to the bill, collaborate with other Florida institutions to challenge it, and prepare a contingency plan if the state withholds funding.\u00a0<\/p>\n FIU is a place for learning and connection\u2013 not a political playground for scoring points. Let\u2019s keep it that way.\u00a0<\/p>\n DISCLAIMER:<\/p>\n The opinions presented on this page do not represent the views of the PantherNOW Editorial Board. These views are separate from editorials and reflect the perspectives of contributing writers and\/or university community members.\u00a0<\/p>\n About Post Author<\/p>\n