At Miami University in Ohio, a pro-life student display faced a troubling online threat that led to a police investigation and an arrest. Students for Life of America reported that an alarming post on the Yik Yak platform on October 28 prompted authorities to act. Screenshots suggested a user rhetorically asked about causing harm to the group’s display, referencing Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was assassinated.
Grace Kimzey, Ohio Regional Coordinator for Students for Life, explained the situation. “We were in the Armstrong Student Center when a student noticed the post on Yik Yak,” Kimzey said. “Monitoring discussions about our display, we saw the post and contacted the Miami Police Department to ensure our students’ safety.”
According to a press release from Students for Life of America shared with Fox News Digital, on November 2, a 19-year-old Miami University student was arrested. The student faces a felony charge for making a terroristic threat, along with multiple misdemeanors such as inducing panic and telecommunications harassment. The incident has also been referred to the FBI.
Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, spoke to Fox News Digital regarding the state of free speech. “I’ve been touring campuses with Turning Point USA, witnessing firsthand the deteriorating climate for free speech,” Hawkins explained. “I’ve encountered students who mockingly refer to me as Mrs. Kirk and speak about ‘Kirked’ humorously, despite the tragic nature of Charlie Kirk’s assassination.”
Hawkins recounted discussions with students. “When I ask them if they find Charlie’s assassination funny, they laugh,” she said. “In a recent conversation, a student even indicated they believed it was moral to shoot someone they disagreed with. This represents a profound shift from previous dialogue experiences on campuses.”
A spokesperson for Miami University issued a statement about the situation. “The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) restricts us from confirming disciplinary actions against a student,” the spokesperson said. “Every student at Miami is entitled to due process. Reports of policy or law violations are handled through the Office of Community Standards and law enforcement, with disciplinary actions based on the severity of the violation and prior conduct.” Information about freedom of speech and expression at Miami University can be found on their website.
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