Charlie Kirk’s upcoming tour of Utah State University and Utah Valley University sparks controversy

LOGAN, Utah (ABC4) — Conservative influencer Charlie Kirk is scheduled to tour with his organization, Turning Point USA, at Utah State University (USU) and Utah Valley University (UVU), and people are protesting.

A petition was created on Aug. 29 to stop Kirk from visiting USU.

“Utah State University has consistently worked towards fostering an inclusive space for all its students and faculty. Letting a figurehead, whose speeches often seem to undermine the essence of inclusivity, use our beloved institution as a platform contradicts this mission,” the Change.org petition reads.

The petition has over 2,700 signatures and continues to grow. The creator of the petition emphasizes that they believe Kirk’s visit to the campus is not beneficial and contradicts USU’s core values. 

“Charlie Kirk, a highly polarizing figure, does not align with the core values and ideology that Utah State University strives to epitomize,” the Change.org petition reads.

ABC4.com is waiting for a comment from USU and the petition’s organizer.

Who is Charlie Kirk?

Kirk is a conservative activist and the creator of Turning Point USA, the largest conservative youth organization in history, according to its website. Created in 2012, the organization shares that its goal is to stop left-wing ideology that contradicts faith, family, and freedom.

In Feb. 2025, Turning Point USA started “The American Comeback Tour” featuring CEO Kirk. The tour goes to various college campuses around the USA as Kirk debates narratives promoted by leftist academia.