DES MOINES, Iowa — Iowa Attorney General joined in a letter with 17 other states to call for protecting free speech on college campuses.

“The tragedy of Charlie Kirk’s assassination is a sobering reminder that the right to free speech must be protected. Charlie was murdered while debating on a university campus, a place where the free exchange of ideas should be encouraged; we cannot allow the actions of an assassin to stop free speech in any way. Colleges and universities must take steps to keep their students safe while preserving free discussion and open debate.” 

Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird (R)

You are able to view the full letter at this link . It it addressed to the presidents and deans of universities and colleges with the states that are signed onto it. The letter specifically focuses on protecting student’s right to freedom of speech and that campuses should be the place where First Amendment rights “rings loudest for all to hear”.

The letter refers to the use of the murder of Charlie Kirk as a justification to shut down speech on campus, calling it unacceptable. The letter addresses that those making these decisions may be concerned about safety, it asks that facility-use and security-fee policies are neutral from the standpoint of viewpoints. That refers to those who may visit the campus to engage in open debate or hold events.

At the same time the Iowa Board of Regents is moving forward with policy that calls on the state’s three public universities to investigate staff members posts on social media related to the murder of Kirk. It is not known how many staff members will be placed on leave, but according to the board, it is more than one.

The administrative leave period will last for two weeks, and if a violation is found the university must take action to terminate the staff member. Board members made comments on Wednesday, saying that they are not for limiting free speech.

“We are not talking about punishing anyone for what they have said or posted. But we are also not saying there is an absolute right to employment if that employee is disrupting universities,” said Regent Robert Cramer.

You can view the board’s Freedom of Expression policy on the Iowa Regent’s website.