An Oklahoma father refused to let his son join a statewide silence for Charlie Kirk, as schools push back on Superintendent Ryan Walters’ directive.
An Oklahoma father has shared why he refused to let his teenage son take part in a statewide moment of silence to honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk this week, describing the directive from State Superintendent Ryan Walters as a « violation » of his family’s rights.
Kirk, who founded the conservative student group Turning Point USA, was recently killed in an attack that Walters called an act of political violence. In a letter to parents, Walters urged schools to pause at noon on September 16 to reflect on Kirk’s legacy, praising him as someone who « empowered the next generation with courage and conviction. »
Marshall Wayne Thomas, whose 16-year-old son attends Ardmore High School, told Newsweek he was stunned after receiving Walters’ email on Monday afternoon.
« I was really shocked and I was hurt, because I think that Charlie was a rather controversial figure and a lot of people have a lot of mixed reactions », Thomas said. « Being forced to participate in a vigil or something to honor him, I feel really was a violation of our constitutional rights. It wasn’t something I wanted my child to be a part of. »
Kirk’s killing on September 10 during a campus event at Utah Valley has intensified debate over political violence, campus speech and how schools respond to polarizing public figures.
Supporters say tributes are an act of respect; critics say state-led commemorations compel students to honor a figure whose politics they may reject.Family pushback
Thomas said that he sat down with his son to review Kirk’s public statements before making a decision.
