Safety a priority as CSU provides locations for two external events on Thursday

Media contact:
Tiana Kennedy, CSU associate vice president for communications
[email protected]
Direct: 970-491-1295

Fort Collins, Colo. – Colorado State University will serve as the venue for two externally organized events on Thursday, Sept. 18. These events are being organized and sponsored by student and external groups; CSU is not affiliated with or endorsing the events or their speakers.

The Turning Point USA student chapter at CSU had scheduled Charlie Kirk to speak on campus on Sept. 18. Counter-protest groups had also scheduled on-campus events for that day.

Following tragic events last week at another university, CSU proactively reached out to student organizations and external groups, asking them to consider moving their events to campus spaces that would allow for increased security. All groups were receptive to the conversation and either worked with the university to select more secure spaces or decided not to move forward with their events at this time.

Two externally hosted events will take place at CSU on Thursday:

• Turning Point USA will host a vigil for the late Charlie Kirk from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Canvas Stadium. Several other non-student groups that had planned unrelated memorials on campus for Mr. Kirk will move their activities to this event. Gates will open at 5 p.m.
• Political Review and the CSU student chapter of that organization will host an event with the tagline “For free speech. Against political violence.” from 6:30-8:30 p.m. (previously scheduled for 4 p.m.) in the CSU Lory Student Center Ballroom.

Safety and security

These changes will allow events to be conducted with robust security measures to improve the safety of the campus community and other attendees. CSU is working closely with local, state and national law enforcement agencies to prepare for the events.

“CSU’s top priority is the safety of our students and the community,” CSU Interim Police Chief Stacey Clement said. “In these instances, we are coordinating with law enforcement partners to provide secure venues for external events that will allow our students, faculty, staff and visitors to exercise their First Amendment rights in the safest environment we can provide.”

Both events will operate under CSU’s typical game-day security requirements, including a clear-bag policy and the use of magnetometers to enter facilities. As of July 2024, Colorado law makes it illegal to carry a firearm, either open or concealed, on college campuses.

CSU’s campus will operate normally Thursday, which means parking for events may be limited. Attendees are advised to plan ahead and/or utilize alternative transportation options.

CSU’s role

CSU is only providing secure facilities and is not organizing any of the activities within the venues. The university does not represent or speak on behalf of organizing entities.

As a public institution, CSU is legally required to uphold and protect the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. This includes providing space for diverse viewpoints to be expressed, even when those viewpoints may be contentious or generate strong responses within the community. More information can be found on CSU’s First Amendment website.

Media access

Accredited members of the press are always welcome on campus, though the organizing entities — not the university — will manage media access to their respective events. Members of the media are asked to notify the CSU Communications Office if they will be covering the events by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 17, via email at [email protected], and follow established media protocol and guidelines.

Event information

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 18, 2025
• Location: Colorado State University: Canvas Stadium and Lory Student Center
• Hosts: External organizers (not affiliated with CSU)
• Note: The views expressed at these events are solely those of the speakers and organizers. They do not represent the views of Colorado State University.

About Colorado State University

Founded in 1870, Colorado State University is one of the nation’s top public research universities, committed to excellence in education, research, service and engagement. As a land-grant institution, CSU upholds the values of free inquiry, civic responsibility and respect for varied perspectives.