Utah Valley University (UVU) is commemorating the one-year anniversary of the assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent right-wing political activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA, with a controversial memorial event. Kirk was shot in the neck by a sniper's bullet while speaking to a group of students at Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025. In honor of the anniversary, UVU canceled classes to allow time for reflection and has permitted Turning Point USA to hold a memorial at the UCCU Center in the evening. The event, titled "Freedom Built to Last Memorial Honoring Charlie Kirk," is described as a chance to remember Kirk and reflect on his impact. Reactions to the memorial are divided. Some students plan to attend, while others, including members of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS), have criticized the event as a "far-right political event" and are organizing a protest outside. Collin Grannis, a founding member of SDS, argued that the university could have held the memorial off-campus, away from the exact location of the shooting, which many students still associate with trauma. He noted that the courtyard where Kirk was killed has become an uncomfortable and unsafe space for some students since the incident. UVU President Jon Anderson described the memorial as a "private event" and emphasized the university's commitment to free expression and respectful dialogue. A university spokesperson, Sharon Turner, explained that the UCCU Center is a shared event space with Utah County and is rented to third parties when not in use by the university. The university does not endorse the activities of outside organizations using the center. Grannis criticized the university for allowing the memorial, saying it reopens wounds and forces students to confront the trauma of the shooting. He stated that the university has unintentionally reminded students of a "horrific death on campus." Turning Point USA has shared photos on social media of the site where Kirk was killed, which resembles a temporary shrine with an American flag and a wooden cross. However, neither the cross nor the flag are permanent fixtures on campus and were not placed there by university officials. Students for a Democratic Society wrote an open letter to the university, calling for the event to be canceled and accusing Turning Point of advocating for harm toward marginalized groups. They accused President Anderson of aligning with Turning Point's "racist and antagonistic organization," which they claim intends to use a narrative of victimhood to advance divisive ideas on campus. Speakers at the memorial include conservative commentators Michael Knowles and Glenn Beck. Turning Point representatives have been handing out flyers on campus, and people wishing to attend can register online. One student told The New York Times that the memorial was a way to "honor" Kirk and placed a rose near the plaza where he was shot. In response to the backlash, Turner said Anderson plans to support all students regardless of their viewpoint and will sit with protesters to understand their concerns while also supporting those mourning Kirk.