Statement from Iowa Board of Regents President Sherry Bates Regarding the Shooting of Charlie Kirk

As a Board, we affirm the importance of free speech. Violence is never the answer, no matter how much people disagree. It has no place on our campuses, and no one should feel unsafe when sharing their views.

The creation of civic and intellectual freedom centers on our campuses underscores our commitment to ensuring universities remain places of safe, respectful and open dialogue. These centers will provide scholarship and discussion regarding our great nation and the Constitutional principles on which it was founded. Differing opinions will be heard, but threats and violence are unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

Our universities will continue to provide a secure environment on our campuses for faculty, staff, students and visitors.