Sumner County Schools are set to recognize October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day. The decision to honor the late conservative media personality has garnered mixed reactions online and comes shortly after another controversial proposal to rename a school street in the area after Kirk.
The Sumner County school board recently announced its decision to enact the “Charlie Kirk Day of Peaceful Discourse.” In a Facebook post, the board said that the day was meant to inspire thoughtful discussion among Sumner County residents but there will be no special presentation, lesson or assembly during the school day.
Kirk was the founder of Turning Point, USA – a political organization designed to rally young conservatives. He regularly toured college campuses to debate college students and was fatally shot during one of his debates in Utah on September 10.
Nearly 500 people chimed in on the Facebook post announcing the decision. Many users expressed enthusiasm about the day — even suggesting that it might spur new Turning Point chapters in the area. Others said that their kids won’t be in school that day.
Some agreed with the idea of promoting more thoughtful conversations but suggested naming it “The Day of Civil Peaceful Discourse” because they believe Kirk was a controversial figure whose name should be left out. Many also criticized the board for making this decision without any community feedback.
One person pointed out that Kirk shared a birthday with George Floyd — a Black man whose death at the hands of a police officer sparked protests across the country in 2020. She suggested that the day be used to discuss racism and inequality.
Parents in Sumner County recently also took to Facebook to speak against a proposal to rename a street connecting Liberty Creek schools after Kirk. The principal of Liberty Creek High School wrote to the county commissioners in opposition.
In both instances, many people didn’t necessarily take issue with honoring him but preferred to keep politics out of school.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM