Image Credit: Charlie Kirk / Facebook
The Tennessee Conservative [By Olivia Lupia] –
With the profound impact of the assassination of Charlie Kirk on the whole nation, several Tennessee lawmakers are attempting to honor the life and legacy of the conservative champion through legislative proposals this session.
Several resolutions were filed for consideration shortly after Kirk was killed, all seeking to memorialize the 31-year-old for his prowess in debate and civil discourse and commitment to the principles of American liberty and patriotism.
HJR0709 sought to designate Sep. 10, 2026, as “Charlie Kirk Day” in “remembrance of the life and legacy of that singular conservative icon, whose life was cut short far too soon.” However, this resolution was withdrawn by sponsor Rep. Lee Reeves on Jan. 22, likely due to its similarity to another resolution which has cleared the Senate and is on its way to the second chamber.
SJR0539, sponsored by Sen. Kerry Roberts (R-Springfield-District 23) shares much of the same language with HJR0709 and states the members of the General Assembly were “greatly saddened to learn of the untimely death of Charlie Kirk” and reflects “fondly upon his life of purpose, his commitment to others, and his excellence as a conservative activist, podcaster, public servant, family man, and human being.”
The resolution unanimously passed the Senate 29-0 on Thurs. Jan. 22, with two Democrats joining Republicans in voting for the memorial. It has now been placed on the House consent calendar for Wednesday, Jan. 28.
A third resolution, HJR0711 by Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Cosby-District 11), calls Kirk a “distinguished American whose legacy of unwavering dedication to faith, freedom, and family will endure for generations.” It honors his devotion “to service of his country, to advancing the cause of freedom, and to inspiring young Americans to embrace civic duty, responsibility, and opportunity.”
Notably, this resolution is the only of the three to firmly acknowledge Kirk’s courageous faith, for which Kirk himself wished to be remembered, noting “he was guided by his deep Christian faith, which shaped his vision, informed his leadership, and sustained him in his work of mentoring, educating, and encouraging young men to pursue truth and live lives of purpose…We reflect fondly upon his impeccable character and his stalwart commitment to living the examined life with courage and conviction.”
HJR0711 passed the full House 72-17, with all 17 “No” votes coming from Democrats. The resolution will now go before the full Senate on Monday, Feb. 2.
Other lawmakers have moved beyond resolutions acknowledging Kirk’s life and have submitted legislation based on the principles Kirk embraced.
One proposal would require public colleges and universities to install and maintain a “Charlie Kirk Memorial Courtyard for Civil Debate” at the main campus of each school “to remind students, faculty, staff, and visitors of the value of civil discourse and to encourage those who visit the courtyard to exchange differing ideas and opinions with civility and respect.”
SB1959/HB2025 is sponsored by Sen. Mark Pody (R-Lebanon-District 17) and Rep. Monty Fritts (R-Kingston-District 32) and seeks to “foster and inculcate a culture of public discourse and debate, especially the civil offering of dissenting opinions, and a free exchange of ideas.”
Per the legislation, the courtyard must measure roughly 40 x 40 feet, display the declaration of rights in Article I of the Tennessee Constitution in its entirety on the northern side of the courtyard, the Ten Commandments in their entirety on the southern side of the courtyard, the Bill of Rights in its entirety on the eastern side of the courtyard, and the Declaration of Independence in its entirety on the western side of the courtyard.
The courtyard must be installed on each campus and open to students, faculty, staff, and visitors by Dec. 31, 2026.
Sen. Pody stated he was approached by a member of the House, likely HB2025 sponsor Monty Fritts, about the idea.
“I think [they] were inspired by saying, ‘We’ve got to stop yelling at each other, and we’ve got to go back to campuses where we can have dialogue,’” Pody said. “People can just sit down in a safe spot and talk, even if they don’t agree, how can they have those conversations? And Charlie Kirk is one individual that’s been doing that for the last few years.”
Neither the Senate nor House versions have received committee assignments yet.
A second proposal, dubbed the “Charlie Kirk Act”, is aimed at preserving freedom of expression at higher education institutions by creating accountability and legal deterrents for discrimination against those exercising their First Amendment rights.
HB1476/SB1741, sponsored by Sen. Paul Rose (R-Lauderdale-District 32) and Rep. Gino Bulso (R-Brentwood-District 61), would require public institutions of higher learning to adopt two separate policies on freedom of expression and the role of such institutes in political and social action. It would also create protections for students and student organizations inviting speakers, hosting events on campus, and exercising their right to free speech under the First Amendment.
HB1476 has been assigned to the House Higher Education Subcommittee but is still awaiting a hearing date while SB1741 is still awaiting a committee assignment.
About the Author: Olivia Lupia is a political refugee from Colorado who now calls Tennessee home. A proud follower of Christ, she views all political happenings through a Biblical lens and aims to utilize her knowledge and experience to educate and equip others. Olivia is an outspoken conservative who has run for local office, managed campaigns, and been highly involved with state & local GOPs, state legislatures, and other grassroots organizations and movements. Olivia can be reached at olivia@tennesseeconservativenews.com.
One Response
TPUSA is not what Christians believe, the Charlie Kirk event was a psyop on the American people and many in TPUSA’s organization have been implicated in child trafficking and debauchery. I loved what Charlie stood for, but it was being used for evil, not good.
https://rumble.com/v74cddo-erika-kirks-filthy-secrets-blown-wide-open.html?mref=1t8q76&mrefc=2