Lukianoff Delivers Free Speech Address at UVU Weeks After Campus Murder, Citing Rising Acceptance of Violence Against Speech

Greg Lukianoff, President and CEO of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), delivered a poignant address on free speech at Utah Valley University (UVU) on October 30, 2025. His talk, titled "Free Speech: An Antidote to Violence," took place just weeks after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was reportedly murdered on the campus on September 10, an event that cast a somber shadow over the academic community.

Lukianoff acknowledged the gravity of the situation, stating he felt "a little scared" to speak at the site of such a tragic event. The reported murder of Kirk served as a stark backdrop to his message, emphasizing the escalating threats to open discourse and the foundational principles of free expression in America.

In his address, Lukianoff underscored the critical importance of unfettered speech, asserting, "in a free country, we should never feel afraid to speak—esp on a college campus—or to challenge the gov't." He warned that "By threatening or punishing dissent we risk becoming a nation just like every other country in the world throughout history," highlighting what he views as America's exceptional commitment to free speech.

Drawing from his extensive work, including co-authored books like "The War On Words," Lukianoff vehemently rejected the notion that "words are violence." He argued that blurring the "bright line" between speech and physical harm empowers fear and undermines the foundational principles of a free society, advocating for persuasion as an alternative to violence.

Recent FIRE surveys reveal a concerning national trend, with 32% of students now finding it "at least 'rarely' acceptable" to use violence to stop campus speech, a significant increase from 20% two years prior. However, a post-Kirk's death survey at UVU showed a local shift, with 94% of students believing violence was never acceptable in response to speech, up from 81% before the incident.

Beyond campus, Lukianoff expressed apprehension about the broader political climate, citing the Trump administration's alleged targeting of critics, including media and legal entities. He noted that FIRE is currently litigating a case against the administration involving pollster Ann Selzer, underscoring systemic challenges to free expression. Lukianoff reiterated that "America's commitment to free speech is at the heart of what makes it exceptional," urging a renewed dedication to open dialogue and the protection of dissenting voices.