University reacts after students ‘celebrate’ Charlie Kirk’s death

The University of Bath says that comments posted by “a few members” of its student community in the wake of the killing of right-wing American activist Charlie Kirk are “offensive” but not unlawful.

The entrance to the University of Bath

The Bath Echo was sent screenshots of comments attributed to members of Bath University Left Union (BULU), described on its X account as “the united face of progressive activism at the University of Bath”.

The concerned person who forwarded the comments from social media said they show students “celebrating” the fatal shooting of the 31-year-old at Utah Valley University on Wednesday 10th September.

They said: “Members can be seen cheering for the suspect’s escape and expressing disappointment when the suspect was apprehended.

“This is not simply a matter of political disagreement. It is a matter of public safety. Celebrating murder and glorifying political violence sends a dangerous message and risks normalising extremist behaviour on our campus.

“It creates a hostile and unsafe environment for students with differing political beliefs.”

We were also forwarded a screenshot of a comment from a University of Bath lecturer in response to a post on X from the political commentator Aaron Bastani.

Bastani posted on 10th September: “The video of Charlie Kirk is horrific. I can’t begin to imagine the agony of that happening to a loved one. He has a soul, a wife & 2 kids. Whatever you think of anyone, they are capable of extraordinary kindness & compassion & have people who love them.”

The lecturer responded: “How do you always get these takes so wrong.”

The person who shared the messages with us said: “When members of staff openly excuse acts of political murder, it crosses a line and undermines the values of safety, open dialogue, and respect that a university should uphold.”

They called on the University of Bath to urgently investigate, take appropriate disciplinary action, and “reassure students that our campus is a place where political differences are not met with threats or celebration of violence”.

A University of Bath spokesperson told the Echo: “We are concerned to see some of the commentary on social media, reported to include a few members of our student community, and we have been working with our students’ union and talking to individuals involved.

“Universities have a legal duty to uphold freedom of speech, and although some of the comments are offensive, the advice we have received is they do not cross the threshold for unlawfulness.

“Separately, we have also received a report in relation to a member of staff and we’re following this up with those involved.

“As an institution, we are clear that disagreeing well is of fundamental importance and expect mutual respect and tolerance of those with different views.”