Reflecting on Charlie Kirk’s Legacy
Lessons for a Future of Liberty and Free Speech in Education
The tragic death of Charlie Kirk has left a profound impact on those who champion conservative values, liberty, and free speech. As the founder of Turning Point USA, Kirk was a passionate advocate for homeschooling and a staunch defender of individual rights, including freedom of expression. His untimely passing invites us to reflect on his contributions and to consider how we can build upon his ideas to foster a future where education empowers young minds with the tools of critical thinking and open dialogue.
Charlie Kirk was driven by a mission to change the world for the better, and his work often centered on the carrefour of education and liberty. He understood that true education is about teaching students how to think, not what to think. “Critics might one day be applying for jobs from homeschooled students, whom he describes as ‘more polite, smarter, wiser, happier, more purposeful, less corrupted, more understanding, more battle-ready, better prepared, less confused, more biblical, more grounded, more Christ-like'”. This quote reflects his belief in the potential of homeschooling to develop well-rounded individuals who are not only academically strong but also morally grounded and capable of independent thought.
Kirk’s conservative leanings were tempered by a deep commitment to liberty, which is evident in his advocacy for homeschooling. He saw traditional schooling as often failing to encourage independent thought and instead promoting conformity and obedience. “Education should focus on teaching students how to think, not what to think”. This philosophy resonates with libertarian ideals, which emphasize education that fosters critical thinking and personal responsibility over indoctrination.
The assassination of Charlie Kirk has sparked an international conversation about the importance of his mission. Kirk was a Christian man, and many reflecting on his tragic death have turned to their faith for solace. His death also serves as an inspiration for all who value the principles of liberty and free speech. It encourages parents and educators to consider the role they play in shaping the next generation’s understanding of these fundamental rights. If Charlie dedicated his life to reaching out to young people and offering them a different perspective, perhaps we too can find ways to engage in meaningful dialogue, build knowledge, and develop thinking skills with the next generation by taking agency in the education of our young.
Are we fostering spaces where free speech is valued and diverse viewpoints are welcomed? Are we equipping our students with the skills to engage in respectful debate and to challenge their own assumptions? These are the kinds of questions that Kirk’s legacy encourages us to ask. Are the educational environments that are created for our children the best option, or is there a better way?
Kirk’s support for homeschooling was rooted in the conviction that traditional schooling often fails to encourage independent thought and instead promotes conformity and obedience. He saw homeschooling as a unique opportunity for students to develop critical thinking skills and a deeper understanding of the world around them. “Education should focus on teaching students how to think, not what to think” ^2^. This philosophy aligns with libertarian ideals, which advocate for education that encourages critical thinking and personal responsibility rather than indoctrination and that individuals should be free to choose their own educational paths without governmental interference.
Inspired by Charlie Kirk’s legacy, we can strive to create educational experiences that reflect these values. We might advocate for policies that protect free speech in schools, but for many, the best option might involve encouraging open discussions at home and seeking out diverse educational resources for a non-school learning experience.
In honor of Charlie Kirk’s legacy, we should reflect upon its significance. We should commit to carrying forward some version of his mission, one that has now inspired millions. This starts in our own homes, where we can curate an educational experience that aligns with our family’s values and goals. We must provide our children with the tools they need to navigate a complex world, to think critically, and to stand firm in their convictions. Kirk’s death should light a fire under the rest of us to step up, speak up, and take back our children from a culture that wants to turn them into something terrible and unrecognizable.
Charlie Kirk was a good man. He fought for kids who had been taught to hate him, and he did it with love, dignity, and respect. We could honor him by picking up where he left off, by being good men (and women) ourselves, and by ensuring that his vision for a liberty-focused education becomes a reality. We at The Barking Bandicoot Academy acknowledge the duty to build upon the liberty-aligned foundation he advocated for and to create a future where education truly serves the interests of freedom and individual empowerment.
Justin Graham for The Barking Bandicoot Academy – Higher education from a liberty foundation