The board of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s alumni association has decided to withdraw motions to grant an honorary degree and membership to the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk. This decision follows extensive feedback from alumni, parents, and family members over the past two days.
In a statement released on Friday, the Association of Graduates, the academy’s nonprofit alumni organization, confirmed that the board of directors would not proceed with the motions initially scheduled for a vote on September 15, 2023. The board convened in Colorado Springs to evaluate the input received from “several hundred” individuals regarding the proposed recognition of Kirk.
“We are grateful to all who have taken the time to reach out by phone and email, and to those who attended today’s meeting in person, to share their views,” the Association of Graduates stated. “The AOG Board, serving as the governing body of the Association, took the thoughtful feedback received into account. The Honorary Member and honorary degree motions concerning Mr. Kirk were withdrawn.”
Background on the Proposed Honors
The motions to honor Kirk were introduced by retired Lt. Gen. Rod Bishop, who joined the board earlier this year. In recommending Kirk for the honors, Bishop highlighted the activist’s dedication to “faith, family, so much love for our country and the vision of our Founding Fathers.” Kirk, co-founder of the conservative youth organization Turning Point USA, was appointed by former President Donald Trump in March to the academy’s Board of Visitors, which advises the academy on various matters, including curriculum and student morale.
Kirk attended a Board of Visitors meeting on August 7, 2023, before he was tragically shot at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2023.
Opposition to the Honorary Recognition
Despite the proposal’s initial support, significant opposition emerged from various alumni. Retired Brig. Gen. Marty France, a former board member and head of the academy’s Department of Astronautics, expressed concerns about honoring Kirk with a posthumous degree and alumni membership. He stated that individuals previously inducted as honorary members typically had dedicated decades of service to the academy.
France conveyed his disapproval, stating, “Whatever service [Kirk] provided to USAFA does not rise anywhere near what we should require as a minimum before even considering him for such mention.” His remarks reflect a broader sentiment among alumni who believe that the criteria for honorary recognition should be more stringent.
The withdrawal of the motions highlights the complexities surrounding posthumous honors and the differing opinions within the academy’s community. As discussions continue, the Association of Graduates remains committed to considering the views of its members in future decisions.
