Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative activist, was tragically assassinated on September 10, 2025, at the onset of a college campus tour focused on engaging students in discussions about politics and education.
Kirk’s educational philosophy was deeply rooted in opposing leftist ideologies, positioning itself primarily as an ‘anti’-left approach. This framework often made it difficult to convey conservative values in a positive light, as it heavily emphasized discrediting liberal perspectives rather than offering constructive alternatives.
For decades, conservatives like Kirk have aimed to reclaim the educational landscape from liberal influences, advocating for a system that upholds traditional values, order, and ethics over inclusivity and equity. This philosophy seeks to roll back social changes and return to what is perceived as a nostalgic, harmonious time characterized by defined gender roles and societal norms. While this approach can impart essential virtues and moral education, it raises concerns about potentially prioritizing privilege and tradition over issues of justice and equity.
Moreover, Kirk’s views were framed by a belief in identity without apology. This perspective signifies a fundamental divide between conservative and liberal ideologies concerning the explanation of social disadvantage. Kirk and like-minded conservatives argue against what they perceive as special treatment based on identity factors, advocating instead for merit and individual capabilities.
The roots of this educational philosophy can be traced back to the social upheavals of the 1960s, marked by the New Left and anti-war movements. At that time, many young conservatives felt threatened by the progressive activism gaining traction among their peers. During this period, universities began to broaden their inclusivity, introducing programs like gender studies and African American studies, which prompted calls from conservatives for similar representation of their ideologies within academic institutions.
Post-1960s, the fervor for conservative activism in education waned, although the desire to voice conservative viewpoints persisted. The traditional, merit-based education agenda seemed less pressing as leftist activism receded on many campuses.
In 2012, Charlie Kirk established Turning Point USA, a political nonprofit, aimed at championing conservative ideas and creating a welcoming environment for students with similar beliefs. Although Kirk was initially hesitant to support President Donald Trump, he eventually forged a close relationship with him and viewed academia as central to addressing significant social issues. He sought to reshape college campuses into centers of conservative thought that emphasized free market economics and traditional gender roles.
Kirk’s influence expanded significantly, especially in the wake of events like Hamas’ attack on Israel in October 2023, which sparked a range of reactions on U.S. campuses. These incidents reinforced the conservative narrative of progressives as threats to traditional values, allowing Kirk to mobilize support.
Kirk’s tour aimed not only at engaging with students but also at fostering a deeper bond with young conservatives, thereby positioning himself as an influential figure in their political development. By connecting directly with students, he endeavored to cultivate a generation of conservative voters and activists, thereby reshaping the political landscape of university campuses.
The strategy employed by Kirk and his contemporaries resonates with a long-established practice among conservatives to build close relationships with young supporters. Historical evidence suggests that even in the 1960s and 1970s, college students would correspond with iconic conservative leaders such as Ronald Reagan and William F. Buckley, seeking to create a sense of community among like-minded individuals.
Kirk’s approach articulated a conservative pipeline designed to guide young individuals from high school through college and into professional roles within conservative organizations. This pipeline encourages engagement through platforms like Turning Point USA, with the hopes of nurturing future leaders in the conservative movement.
Despite its significant influence, Turning Point USA is distinct from the Republican Party yet actively contributes to pushing its ideologies further to the right. Since its inception, the organization has garnered growing revenue, recently eclipsing $85 million, allowing it to prominently shape the narrative within the conservative youth movement.
While Kirk’s objectives aligned closely with many of President Trump’s policies, Turning Point has also faced criticism and pushback from other factions within the conservative sphere. For example, in 2018, the Young America’s Foundation accused Turning Point of monopolizing the conservative youth movement, diminishing the presence of other groups and perspectives.
Kirk’s commitment to education has positioned it as a fundamental issue for conservatives in recent decades, continuing the legacy of educational activism that has characterized the right since the 1960s. Charlie Kirk’s recent campus tour, filled with potential connections and conversations with young conservatives, aimed to solidify and expand this ideological space in academia, even as it came to a tragic and untimely end.
image source from：theconversation
