UVU’s students work hard to be able to pay their tuition. With the stress of work, household responsibilities, family, friends, and all the other stresses we face in everyday life, school is  a real sacrifice of time and money. I personally exhausted the entirety of my savings to cover tuition this semester, and I don’t know how I will do so  in the Spring. Students contribute their hard-earned money to this school with the expectation that it will be used for the benefit of their education.

It has come to our attention that there are plans to allocate university funds or student fees towards a memorial for Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University (UVU). Given the financial burden that many students like myself endure, it is unfair and inappropriate to use these funds for purposes that do not directly benefit the student body or enhance their academic experience.

Charlie Kirk, a political figure, is not directly associated with our academic mission or our core values as an educational institution. Utilizing university resources for a memorial honoring a figure who doesn't contribute to the academic success of students sets a troubling precedent. Every penny we pay in tuition is precious and should be funneled back into supporting educational tools, resources, and opportunities that aid in our learning journey.

Furthermore, with the ongoing financial constraints faced by universities across the country, it is paramount that every dollar spent be justified in light of its benefit to the academic community. Investing in a memorial for a political personality could alienate segments of the student body and potentially divert funds from programs and initiatives that are desperately needed to enrich the academic environment.

We sincerely urge the UVU administration to reconsider this decision and to ensure that all university spending aligns with the institution's educational priorities and mission. Let’s uphold our commitment to an educational environment that prioritizes academic growth, inclusivity, and fiscal responsibility.

Please join us in urging Utah Valley University to honor students' contributions by investing university funds and student fees solely in endeavors that enhance educational opportunities for all. Sign this petition to express your support for this critical issue and help us protect the financial integrity of our institution, ensuring funds truly benefit those who contribute to them—its students.