Support Free Speech Today!

This petition serves as your easiest opportunity to show University of Michigan decision makers the far reaching support for free speech on campus.

At the University of Michigan, we cherish open dialogue and the fearless exchange of ideas. Yet, many feel silenced, hesitant to share their truth due to fear of backlash. Inspired by my own journey as a U-M economics graduate, I believe we must champion free speech to foster understanding and unity.

The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) uses real student experiences, university policies, and speech controversies to annually determine free speech rankings. U-M in 2025 received a speech climate grade of F, ranking 105th out of 257 schools with a score of 58.6. This F grade, unchanged from the previous year, reflects troubling student perceptions of the campus free speech climate and administrative support for free expression, despite the university's adoption of institutional neutrality. U-M placed in the bottom 25% for "Comfort Expressing Ideas" and bottom 50% for "Administrative Support”. This is an indication that students feel uneasy sharing their opinions and lack confidence in the administration's support for free speech during controversies.

Charlie Kirk, a passionate advocate for airing disagreement, embodied the spirit of free speech. He sparked conversations on over 2,000 college campuses by platforming diverse voices with grace and courage. Kirk traveled the world to promote dialogue over violence. His life was taken on a Wednesday afternoon, September 10th of 2025, during an open-mic debate at Utah Valley University. Survived by his wife, Erika, two young children, and millions of people worldwide who followed him. Numerous followers disagreed with his viewpoints and lined up for good faith debate. Sadly, his assassination was welcomed by a large minority of people, numbering in the millions, but worse by some prominent people in society including multiple college professors across the country.

“When people stop talking, that's when you get violence. That's when civil war happens.” - Charlie Kirk

A statue of Charlie Kirk on U-M campus would be recognized worldwide as a memorial to his legacy of rigorous civil discourse, and inspire more people to embrace the same. It would stand as a bold symbol of our commitment to truth through the most vibrant exchange of ideas. Please join me in this effort to uplift and embolden free speech on a major college campus and forever beyond.

Sign now and make a difference!