Camp Mystic holds a special place in my heart, as I had the privilege of living in Kerrville, Texas, for over a decade. It is because of this connection, and the belief in honoring true victims, that I am compelled to speak out about the recent mural painted on a business on Treadway Blvd.

The mural, intended to honor victims of Uvalde and Camp Mystic, has sadly included an element that detracts from its intended purpose: the inclusion of Charlie Kirk. While Charlie Kirk is a prominent figure, many of us in the community feel his support for gun rights compromises the message of the mural and disrespectfully contrasts the tragic loss experienced by victims and their families.

Victims' families have expressed their offense at this choice, stating it undermines the solemn recognition of their loved ones and the tragic circumstances surrounding their loss. Including a figure who, despite his influence, stood for preserving gun rights even at the cost of lives, sends a conflicted message about the values we are honoring. The mural should be a tribute to those who lost their lives in tragedies—not a platform for political ideologies that contributed to their demise.

It's crucial to ensure that our public art reflects the values we seek to uphold. Art has the power to heal and unite, but only when it stays aligned with the intention of honoring those we have lost. By revisiting the decision to include Charlie Kirk, and opting to portray figures who genuinely represent the spirit and memory of the Uvalde and Camp Mystic victims, we can restore the mural’s dignity and purpose.

Please join me in calling for the adjustment of the Treadway Blvd mural. Let us work together to create art that truly pays homage to the victims, respects their families’ wishes, and honors the community spirit we cherish in Texas. Your signature can help persuade decision-makers to make the necessary changes and ensure that this mural serves as a proper tribute.

Sign this petition today and join us in preserving the integrity of this commemoration.