Professor Cancels Class, Claims ‘Unsafe’ Space as Charlie Kirk Visits University of Arizona

As Charlie Kirk visited the University of Arizona (U of A) on Monday to answer questions from students, a college professor took the drastic step of canceling their class, citing concerns about students feeling “unsafe” due to Kirk’s presence on campus.
The contents of the professor’s email were shared on Yik Yak, an anonymous app primarily used by college students. The email not only outlined details about Kirk’s tabling event on campus but also made an inaccurate and dishonest reference to the recent incident at Arizona State University between a TPUSA Frontlines cameraman and a queer professor. The email falsely claimed that TPUSA had been “implicated in an assault on a queer professor at ASU earlier this month.”
In a bizarre overreaction to Kirk’s presence, the professor stated in the email that their class would be canceled out of concerns students may “feel unsafe.”
“I would like to reassure those of you who may feel unsafe, for any reason, being on campus in proximity to this event: please do not feel that you are required to be in class today,” the email read.
Likewise, another email was forwarded to U of A students that provided links to the campus’ mental health services. It also encouraged anyone who “may be impacted” to consider avoiding the area where Charlie Kirk was present.
Charlie Kirk’s visit to the University of Arizona was a relatively straightforward event; he took a seat at a table outside for two hours and welcomed students to ask questions and engage in open dialogue. It has become all too common on college campuses across the nation that conservative speakers who share their viewpoints is now equated with violence or danger.
The irrational response to Kirk’s presence at U of A serves as a reminder of the pressing need for college campuses to be more open to conservative principles. Universities should be environments that foster intellectual growth, rather than stifling voices of dissent.