Conservative Student Sees Healing Opportunity in Charlie Kirk’s Legacy

A recent survey highlighted the state of freedom of speech on 257 college and university campuses across the United States.

People march in memory of Charlie Kirk in Peoria, Ariz., on Sept. 13, 2025. Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images

TEMPE, Ariz.—While some see a growing political divide, Carson Carpenter sees hope and opportunity rising from the legacy of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk.

Carpenter, 20, who graduated from Arizona State University in 2024, believes something better lies beyond Kirk’s death. The conservative commentator was assassinated at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah, on Sept. 10.