Oklahoma Student Defies Backlash Over Charlie Kirk Tribute — “Your Threats Won’t Silence Me”
An Oklahoma State University student leader says a reprimand from a university staff member following his speech honoring conservative activist Charlie Kirk has only strengthened his commitment to free speech and political advocacy on campus.
Joshua Wilson, a junior and chair of OSU’s Student Government Association (SGA), delivered his remarks at a September 10 SGA meeting just hours after Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk was shot and killed in Utah. Wilson’s speech aimed to honor Kirk’s legacy, promote peace, and encourage students to continue Kirk’s message of free expression. He wore a Turning Point USA hat gifted by Kirk during a campus visit in April, emblazoned with the number “47” in reference to former President Donald Trump.
Staff Confrontation and Alleged Threat
After the meeting, Wilson was confronted by SGA adviser Kelsey Echols, who took issue with the hat and the tribute. Wilson explained that his speech focused on Kirk’s advocacy for dialogue, not partisanship. Echols, however, reportedly dismissed his explanation and warned, “Otherwise this year is going to be difficult for you.” Wilson interpreted the statement as a veiled threat, describing a noticeable shift in Echols’ demeanor from cordial to curt.
“It seems like the entire thing was meant to make me be very scared or kind of shut down from expressing these views, but in fact it’s done quite the opposite,” Wilson told Fox News Digital.
University Response: Reaffirming Free Speech
The incident prompted Oklahoma State University Vice President of Student Affairs Brent Marsh to issue a statement reaffirming the school’s commitment to free expression. Marsh emphasized that OSU’s stance on freedom of speech is “unchanged and crystal clear,” stating, “All OSU students have the right to speak their minds on all of our campuses.”
Marsh further clarified that the SGA is a democratically elected body meant for open debate and representation, and that protecting free expression is fundamental to the university’s identity. He assured that staff supporting student groups have received direct clarification regarding OSU’s policies and commitment to free speech.
“If any student believes their right to free expression has been infringed upon, threatened or restricted in any way, we encourage them to share those concerns directly with Student Affairs Division leadership and/or university leadership,” Marsh added.
Calls for Stronger Action
While Wilson acknowledges the university’s statement, he believes more decisive action is needed. He is urging administrators to explicitly condemn the incident and ensure such situations do not recur, whether through reforms to the code of conduct or formal investigations.
“I think OSU needs to make a statement at least saying, ‘Hey, this isn’t going to happen again, and we’re going to make sure it doesn’t happen again,’” Wilson said.
Wilson reports receiving support from fellow students online and from state legislators. The controversy has inspired conservative students to set up tables and facilitate political discussions on campus, emboldening their advocacy for free speech.
Standing Firm: A Message to Oklahoma Conservatives
Wilson remains resolute in his stance, quoting Ronald Reagan: “Freedom is just one generation away from extinction.” He encourages conservative students across Oklahoma to speak up and defend their rights.
“I’m not backing down… Oklahomans, like myself and others, aren’t going to back down — we’re just going to make our voices more heard.”
Oklahoma State University referred Fox News Digital to its prior statements on the matter.
As debates over free speech and political expression continue on campuses nationwide, the Oklahoma State University incident highlights both the challenges and the resolve of students determined to make their voices heard.
