Written By Lexx Thornton
A new legislative proposal in Florida, House Bill 113 (HB 113), is stirring controversy by requiring state universities and colleges, including the nation’s top public HBCU, Florida A&M University (FAMU), to rename streets after the recently assassinated conservative activist, Charlie Kirk.
Filed by State Representative Kevin Steele following Kirk’s death on a college campus last month, the bill aims to create a lasting public tribute to the conservative figure.
Potential Loss of Funding for Non-Compliance
The legislation is a direct mandate to the institutions’ boards, instructing them to rename designated local roadways after “Charlie James Kirk” or face the significant consequence of losing state funding.
- For FAMU, the bill specifically identifies W. Osceola Street in Tallahassee to be predesignated as “Charlie James Kirk Street.”
- If approved, the mandate would take effect immediately, giving FAMU and other state institutions a tight 90-day window to comply.
Part of a Broader Statewide Effort
This is not the first attempt to memorialize the conservative podcaster in the state. The proposal is part of a broader, statewide effort that has gained momentum since Kirk’s death in September:
- Last month, Lake County unanimously approved the Charlie Kirk Memorial Highway.
- New College of Florida also announced plans to commission a statue in his likeness.
The proposal has ignited discussions in higher education, particularly at HBCUs like FAMU, where such legislative mandates touching on political influence and cultural representation are often sensitive.
HB 113 currently awaits committee review before it can advance for a full vote by the Florida legislature.
