President Varlotta Condemns Political Violence

I write to you today deeply troubled by the killing of political speaker and activist Charlie Kirk at an on-campus university event. As a citizen of the U.S., I believe there are few things more sacred in our democracy than freedom of speech. As the president of a university, I believe that nothing is more important than the safety of those who come to learn, inquire, and express ideas at our events and on our campuses—even when those ideas are controversial or contrary to our own. 

What happened yesterday is deplorable.

At the same time, it is important to recognize that Charlie Kirk himself promoted messages that were often racist, exclusionary, and hostile toward the very values of justice, equity, and dignity that Antioch stands for. His rhetoric brought hurt and pain to individuals and communities, and it contradicted the ideals of inclusivity that Antioch seeks to embody. Acknowledging this truth does not justify violence against him; rather, it reminds us why our commitment to nonviolent dialogue and ethical persuasion matters all the more.

Those of us from academic institutions that promote democracy and engaged citizenship must defend democratic values. A university—especially a progressive, inclusive one that cares about justice, equity, and the common good—should be a place where divergent ideas are discussed in spirited and respectful ways. Universities like ours must continue to be places where the tools of debate are reason, ethics, and compassion, not guns, threats, or intimidation.

An embodied part of Antioch’s mission is to prepare students to actively engage in the world: to listen as well as speak; to challenge others and be challenged ourselves. If we were to allow violence or fear to silence speakers—regardless of “our” or “their” ideology—we would undermine the very foundations upon which higher education stands. We would betray the promise and potential of democracy.

This horrifying act of political violence happens in a time when violence and fear feel pervasive in our society. As Antiochians, let us collectively model what we believe: that the university is a place for intellectual, moral, and communal courage. That free speech is inseparable from democratic life. That safety for all isn’t optional; it is essential.