Florida Republican Kevin Steele has filed a bill that would require every state college in Florida to rename a road after political activist Charlie Kirk, stirring mixed reactions among students.The proposal has stirred emotions both for and against, as students at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) react to the news. FSW student Amari Fanchonna expressed confusion, asking, “Did he live in Florida? Did he do anything major to help Florida? If not, then I don’t see the reason.” Sonia Rivera, another FSW student, shared similar sentiments, saying, “It just doesn’t feel right. Personally, I don’t feel like he did anything for us here.”Every FSW student interviewed agreed with these concerns. Jayden Andrews commented, “Now they’re just kind of forcing it on everyone, it’s kind of crazy.”On the FGCU campus, some students were more accepting of the idea of FGCU Boulevard being renamed Charlie Kirk Boulevard.Brady Hayward said, “I think that would be a good thing for this school.” Cody Hilliard added, “It wouldn’t bother me as much. I think it would be a nice way to honor him.” Mark Bonfante noted, “I think it all depends on the university itself.”The bill does not offer an option for schools, stating that any institution not complying could lose state funding. Cody Hilliard expressed concern, saying, “I feel like the state requiring it may be a little bit of a stretch. I feel like it should be schools’ choice.”Others are urging lawmakers to slow down and consider alternatives. Angelo Dessous suggested, “I think it’s really fresh,” while Elaina Maurer proposed, “I think maybe making a plaque or some sort of memorial would be a good way to honor him.”Students noted that even in death, Charlie Kirk continues to spur debate. Amari Fanchonna remarked, “What happened was a tragedy but if it didn’t happen they wouldn’t be doing all that.”The Florida House Bill 113 is in the early stages and would need a co-sponsored bill in the state senate, pass in both houses, and be signed by the governor. The situation remains fluid, and developments will be closely monitored.DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
Florida Republican Kevin Steele has filed a bill that would require every state college in Florida to rename a road after political activist Charlie Kirk, stirring mixed reactions among students.
The proposal has stirred emotions both for and against, as students at Florida SouthWestern State College (FSW) and Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) react to the news.
FSW student Amari Fanchonna expressed confusion, asking, “Did he live in Florida? Did he do anything major to help Florida? If not, then I don’t see the reason.”
Sonia Rivera, another FSW student, shared similar sentiments, saying, “It just doesn’t feel right. Personally, I don’t feel like he did anything for us here.”
Every FSW student interviewed agreed with these concerns.
Jayden Andrews commented, “Now they’re just kind of forcing it on everyone, it’s kind of crazy.”
On the FGCU campus, some students were more accepting of the idea of FGCU Boulevard being renamed Charlie Kirk Boulevard.
Brady Hayward said, “I think that would be a good thing for this school.”
Cody Hilliard added, “It wouldn’t bother me as much. I think it would be a nice way to honor him.”
Mark Bonfante noted, “I think it all depends on the university itself.”
The bill does not offer an option for schools, stating that any institution not complying could lose state funding.
Cody Hilliard expressed concern, saying, “I feel like the state requiring it may be a little bit of a stretch. I feel like it should be schools’ choice.”
Others are urging lawmakers to slow down and consider alternatives.
Angelo Dessous suggested, “I think it’s really fresh,” while Elaina Maurer proposed, “I think maybe making a plaque or some sort of memorial would be a good way to honor him.”
Students noted that even in death, Charlie Kirk continues to spur debate.
Amari Fanchonna remarked, “What happened was a tragedy but if it didn’t happen they wouldn’t be doing all that.”
The Florida House Bill 113 is in the early stages and would need a co-sponsored bill in the state senate, pass in both houses, and be signed by the governor. The situation remains fluid, and developments will be closely monitored.
DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.
