FSU Poll Reveals Declining Tolerance for Controversial Speech in Wake of Charlie Kirk Assassination

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — A new survey from Florida State University's Institute for Governance and Civics has uncovered signs of eroding support for free speech among young adults, with nearly one in five respondents viewing physical violence as sometimes justifiable to halt "harmful" expression. Conducted in September 2025—just days after the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah Valley University event—the poll of 1,447 U.S. adults highlights a growing conflation of words and physical harm, raising alarms about the future of open discourse in an increasingly polarized society.

The findings, released on November 20, 2025, come amid national debates over campus speech codes, social media firings, and legislative scrutiny following Kirk's death on September 10. While the survey does not directly link attitudes to the incident, researchers noted its timing amplified concerns about escalating intolerance, particularly on college campuses where Kirk frequently spoke.

Survey Highlights: Equating Speech with Violence

The nationally representative poll, which included 252 Florida residents, explored perceptions of speech versus violence through a series of questions on harm, justification for force, and balancing expression with social harmony.

Key results include:

• 59% of respondents agreed that some forms of speech can be "as damaging as physical violence," a figure that rose to 68% among those under 30.

• 18% of young adults (ages 18-29) said physical violence could be acceptable "at least in some cases" to stop harmful speech, compared to 12% of those over 65.

• 42% overall supported restricting speech when it conflicts with "inclusion and harmony," with higher rates (55%) among self-identified liberals.

Those who equated speech with violence were twice as likely to favor censorship, even if they opposed using force themselves, according to the analysis. The survey's margin of error was ±2.6 percentage points at a 95% confidence level.

"These findings reveal a troubling erosion of free speech principles, particularly among Americans who will shape our civic culture for decades to come," said Ryan Owens, the institute's director and a FSU political science professor. Owens emphasized that the poll captured attitudes shortly after Kirk's shooting, a high-profile case that sparked widespread discussions—and backlash—over the boundaries of acceptable commentary.

Context: Kirk's Assassination and the Free Speech Backlash

Charlie Kirk, 31, founder of the conservative youth group Turning Point USA, was fatally shot during a campus event in Orem, Utah, on September 10, 2025, as part of his "American Comeback Tour." The assailant, a 22-year-old former TPUSA member with far-right affiliations, opened fire amid protests, killing Kirk and wounding three others. The incident prompted President Trump to order flags at half-staff and ignited a firestorm over speech rights.

In the aftermath, social media posts mocking or celebrating Kirk's death led to firings across sectors, including teachers in Florida and journalists nationwide. Conservative figures, including Tucker Carlson, decried a "hate speech clampdown," while universities like Clemson initially defended employees' rights before facing pressure. In Texas, lawmakers launched reviews of campus speech policies, citing student reactions to Kirk's death as evidence of "intimidation and hostility."

Kirk, known for campus debates on topics like immigration and affirmative action, had visited Florida schools including FSU, UF, and USF earlier in 2025, drawing both crowds and counter-protests. His death amplified existing tensions, coinciding with the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression's (FIRE) 2025 College Free Speech Rankings, which found 34% of students nationwide deem violence acceptable "in rare cases" to stop campus speakers—up from 22% in 2022.

Broader Implications: A Generational Shift?

The FSU survey aligns with trends in other studies, painting a picture of evolving norms around expression. FIRE's report, based on 68,000 student responses, ranked FSU 25th overall for free speech climate but noted declines in tolerance for "offensive" views. At the University of Oklahoma, 42% of students endorsed violence in limited scenarios, while at the University of Tulsa, the figure was 22%.

Experts attribute this to factors like social media amplification of outrage, post-pandemic isolation, and polarized media consumption. Syracuse Law Review contributors described Kirk's death as a "wake-up call," urging universities to proactively foster debate rather than react to crises. Meanwhile, incidents like a Texas Tech student's arrest for assaulting a Kirk supporter post-death illustrate how rhetoric can spill into action.

Florida leaders, including Gov. Ron DeSantis, who knew Kirk for over a decade, condemned the shooting as a "senseless act of violence" while reaffirming state protections for campus discourse. Reactions from across the aisle, such as former Rep. David Jolly's call for prayers and respect for disagreement, reflect bipartisan mourning but underscore ongoing divides.

Reactions and Next Steps

The survey has sparked varied responses. Conservative outlets like The Floridian labeled it a "shocking" indicator of left-leaning intolerance, while progressive voices on platforms like Reddit debated Kirk's own role in polarizing discourse. FIRE's Will Creeley called for renewed civic education to counter the trends.

FSU plans follow-up polls in 2026 to track changes, with Owens advocating for "robust debate" as a antidote to erosion. As one USA Today op-ed noted, Kirk's legacy—championing respectful engagement despite controversy—may yet influence how America navigates its speech battles.

In a nation where 1 in 5 young adults sees violence as a speech suppressant, the FSU findings serve as a sobering benchmark, reminding stakeholders that free expression's health depends on vigilance from all sides.