Ferris State Declines Charlie Kirk Statue Proposal

Ferris State University has responded to a rather unorthodox request that was recently sent to them by the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners.

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The Backstory of the Proposed Charlie Kirk Statue at Ferris State University

During the September 18, 2025, Board of Commissioners Meeting, which was held just eight days after political activist Charlie Kirk was killed, a board member brought up Kirk's death. While speaking on the matter, he distributed photos depicting a statue of Kirk, as well as a letter he had drafted on behalf of the Board to send to Bill Pink, the President of Ferris State University.

In the letter, the Commissioner, Chris Zimmerman, proposed a "joint venture constructing a similar statue" on the campus of Ferris State, citing "Charlie's overwhelming contribution to society."

Commissioner Greg Adams then moved that the Board move forward with sending the letter. It was seconded, and the Board voted 5-1 in favor of sending the letter.

Ferris State University Responds to Letter Regarding Proposed Charlie Kirk Statue

While the university did not say anything publicly after receiving the letter, the board and the community learned the fate of the proposed statue during the October 2, 2025, Board of Commissioners Meeting.

During public comment, Jim Frazee, a resident of Big Rapids, brought up the proposed statue. At that time, Commissioner Freeman stated that Ferris State University had "declined to participate in the statue idea."

Why Did Ferris State University Decline the Proposed Charlie Kirk Statue?

While no public comment has been released, 9&10 News in Northern Michigan discovered a statement that was released to the Board of Commissioners by Ferris State President Bill Pink. According to 9&10 News, the statement said, in part, that

the University follows a longstanding practice that limits statues on campus to individuals who have made significant, direct contributions to Ferris State University itself.

Currently, the only person honored with a statue on campus is Woodbridge N. Ferris, the university's founder.