Flau’jae Johnson, a prominent player for the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team, has publicly criticized a proposal by Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry to erect a statue of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on the LSU campus. This proposal, aimed at honoring Kirk’s legacy in defending freedom of speech on college campuses, has sparked significant controversy, particularly following Kirk’s recent death at the age of 31 in September 2025.
In a tweet, Johnson expressed her discontent with the idea by quoting an earlier post that featured the statue proposal. She followed up with a direct message to her followers, stating, “For the sake of clarity, if you align yourself with or endorse his racist rhetoric and discriminatory views toward people of color, I respectfully ask that you utilize the unfollow option at the top right of my profile. 🙏🏽” Her comments reflect a growing concern among some students and community members regarding the implications of honoring figures associated with divisive political views.
Johnson’s statements come as the LSU Board of Supervisors considers the proposal put forth by Governor Landry. The governor’s initiative aims to recognize Kirk’s contributions to discussions on free speech, yet it has been met with backlash from various groups who argue that Kirk’s views are harmful to marginalized communities.
The debate surrounding the statue highlights broader issues of representation and inclusivity within educational institutions. Johnson’s call for those supportive of Kirk’s views to distance themselves from her reflects the polarized nature of current political discourse, especially in the context of higher education.
As the LSU community navigates this contentious proposal, the conversation around freedom of speech, race, and representation continues to evolve. Johnson’s outspoken stance illustrates the passionate engagement of student-athletes in social issues, shedding light on the intersection of sports and activism in contemporary society.
The outcome of this proposal remains uncertain, but it undoubtedly serves as a catalyst for important discussions on campus and beyond.
