Oklahoma State University – Joshua Wilson

Summary

Joshua Wilson, a junior at Oklahoma State University who served in student government and other campus organizations, gave remarks on September 10, 2025, during an SGA meeting held the same day conservative activist Charlie Kirk was killed. In his speech, Wilson described Kirk as “a father, a husband, a devout Christian, and a shining light for so many,” and urged students of differing viewpoints to remember that “true progress begins with dialogue.” Wilson wore a Turning Point USA hat bearing the numbers “45” and “47,” which he said had been given to him by Kirk earlier that year. His remarks did not mention former President Donald Trump or endorse any political candidate or party.

On September 17, 2025, Wilson met with SGA Programs Coordinator Melisa Echols, who told him that wearing the hat made his remarks a “partisan event” and violated SGA’s nonpartisan expectations. Echols said the hat could make students uncomfortable, telling Wilson that some students “don’t look like you” and “have family who have been triggered by those hats and by that side.” She advised him to “talk to people that don’t look like you” and warned that “this year is going to be difficult for you.” Wilson, who is Cherokee, said the meeting left him feeling targeted because of his beliefs. OSU later stated that while SGA maintains a tradition of nonpartisanship, there is no written policy prohibiting students from expressing political views.

On October 9, 2025, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) sent a letter to OSU arguing that the university’s response risked chilling protected student speech. FIRE said SGA’s nonpartisan tradition did not override students’ First Amendment rights and urged OSU to clarify that students may express political views while participating in student government. OSU responded that it remained committed to free expression and that staff advising student organizations had been reminded of relevant guidance.

In January 2026, Wilson filed a complaint with the Oklahoma Free Speech Committee, which reviews allegations of free speech violations at Oklahoma public universities. In June 2026, the committee found that, if the statements attributed to the OSU employee occurred, they would be “troubling and potentially violative of the First Amendment,” but concluded that OSU had taken corrective steps by addressing the employee’s conduct, providing free speech guidance, and reaffirming students’ expressive rights. The committee recommended additional free speech training for staff who work with student organizations.

Following the controversy, Wilson said the warning he received would not silence him and that he intended to continue expressing his views on campus. “I’m not going to be silenced,” Wilson said, adding that he would continue “to stand up for what I believe in” despite the criticism he received.