Utah universities are upgrading security after the murder of political commentator Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. On Friday the Utah System of Higher Education (USHE) approved a report that reviews campus safety and outlines recommendations for improvements.
The report identifies 25 areas where safety can be enhanced, including standardizing security protocols for campus events and improving communication between colleges about potential threats. USHE Board Chair Amanda Covington said the report was a collaborative effort among leaders, law enforcement and emergency management professionals.
Kirk was shot and killed during a live debate at UVU more than a year ago. The alleged shooter, Tyler Robinson, who is not a student, faces aggravated murder, firearm discharge and other charges and has pleaded not guilty.
Department of Public Safety Chief Keith Squires, who co‑authored the report, emphasized the need for real‑time information sharing and best‑practice development to bring all campuses to a higher level of safety.
Reactions to the recommendations have been mixed. Snow College President Stacee McIff welcomed the changes and said the small campus would accelerate its campus‑safety work. In contrast, Salt Lake Community College President Greg Peterson said the college lacks the capacity or funding to implement the proposals. USHE is asking the state legislature to allocate $5 million for a statewide campus‑safety coordinator and other upgrades.
UVU released its own investigation a week earlier, concluding that no employee or agent acted in bad faith or willfully endangered others during the events surrounding Kirk’s assassination.
