Gov. Cox Shares Video Message of Unity to Students

Editor’s Note: USU Interim President Alan L. Smith sent this video message to students on Sept. 15, 2025.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox sent a video message to university campuses Monday morning, calling for unity in the wake of the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University last Wednesday.

"Last Wednesday was a dark day for our country, and an even darker day for the state of Utah," Cox wrote in an email to administrators. "A senseless act of violence took the life of an innocent man — a husband, a father, a son, and an American. And while the suspect in this case has been arrested, the grieving process for our nation and our state has only just begun. We must find a path to unity, and I believe our youth are the key."

In line with his Disagree Better initiative, in the video Cox encourages students to see others as "more than a party, more than a label, more than a post online."

"You can build a culture that embraces differences without letting hate divide us," Cox says in the video, "where hope is stronger than cynicism and where forgiveness breaks the cycle of violence."

USU Interim President Alan L. Smith added the following:

"Universities play a unique role in the discovery, expansion, and dissemination of knowledge by providing a neutral platform for scientific exploration, free inquiry, and a robust exchange of ideas. Free speech is the cornerstone of this pursuit of knowledge and safeguarding an open environment for free expression is paramount to Utah State University fulfilling its mission.

"Following events that significantly impact our campus community and our country, the rights and responsibilities connected with free expression and our commitment to our shared humanity are often tested. USU’s Principles of Community call on us to practice free expression with dignity, respect, and responsibility. These values are especially important in difficult times, when listening and engaging with care helps strengthen our campus community."