Recently, an Oklahoma father came forward to explain why he stopped his son from joining a statewide moment of silence for the conservative figure Charlie Kirk, initiated by State Superintendent Ryan Walters. He believes this request infringes on his family’s rights.
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, tragically lost his life in an attack described by Walters as an act of political violence. In his letter to parents, Walters encouraged schools to pause at noon on September 16 to reflect on Kirk’s influence, lauding him for supposedly empowering the next generation.
Marshall Wayne Thomas, who has a 16-year-old son at Ardmore High, said he was caught off guard by Walters’ email, expressing his disappointment. “I was shocked and hurt; Kirk was a controversial person who elicits mixed feelings. Forcing participation in such a vigil felt like a breach of our constitutional rights. I didn’t want my child involved in that,” Thomas shared with Newsweek.
Kirk’s death on September 10 during a campus function at Utah Valley has sparked discussions about political violence, free speech on campuses, and schools’ approaches to difficult public personalities.
Supporters claim that memorials show respect, while critics argue that state-mandated honors might compel students to pay tribute to someone whose views they oppose.
Pushback from Family
As Thomas reflected on Kirk’s life, he and his son reviewed Kirk’s impactful statements through social media videos. “We listened and after really talking, he decided it wasn’t for him either. We concluded it was better to keep him home on that day,” said Thomas.
Later that evening, Aden Public Schools informed parents that they would not conduct the minute of silence Walters recommended. However, by then, Thomas had already planned to keep his son home. The district declined to provide comment to Newsweek.
Schools Choosing Not to Observe
Other districts including Edmond, Norman, Tulsa, Yukon, and Jenks opted out of the additional moment of silence as they pay respect through a state law requiring a daily one-minute quiet time at the start of each school day.
The Edmond Superintendent Josh Delich mentioned, “We won’t add extra silence due to potential disruption,” while Tulsa Public Schools echoed that they seek to avoid interruption of the educational atmosphere.
Legal Aspects in Oklahoma
Since 2002, Oklahoma law mandates that public schools have a daily moment of silence. This policy allows students to meditate, pray, or remain silent according to personal choice without obliging them to engage in any specific activity.
The intent of this law is to allow room for voluntary religious expression in schools while conforming to constitutional principles.
Superintendent’s Response
In defense of his initiative, Walters stated to Newsweek, “It’s noteworthy how schools eager to host pride events and BLM rallies can’t spare a moment for a man who devoted his life to America, truth, and faith.”
He continued, “Charlie Kirk encouraged a generation to think independently, champion free speech, and engage in productive discussions, values some districts clearly don’t prioritize. His violent death was political, and refusing to acknowledge him shows disconnect from Oklahoma families.”
While Kirk’s supporters commend him for promoting free speech on campuses, opponents criticize him for fueling divisive rhetoric.
Thomas mentioned that he can mourn Kirk’s passing while disagreeing with his ideology. “Two truths can coexist. It’s tragic what happened to him and I feel for his family. But I stand against the things he conveyed in life,” he affirmed.
Utah prosecutors have charged 22-year-old Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder, firearm discharge, and more related to Kirk’s death and are pursuing the death penalty. Robinson’s initial court hearing took place via video, and additional hearings are set for September 29.
