HBCU could be forced to have road named after conservative provocateur Charlie Kirk

A Florida state representative has introduced a controversial bill requiring all public colleges and universities in the state to rename at least one roadway on their campuses in honor of the late conservative activist Charlie Kirk.

The bill, filed by Republican Representative Kevin Steele from Dade City, mandates that within 90 days of enactment, each institution’s board of trustees must rename a prominently traveled road or segment on their campus to “Charlie James Kirk Road,” according to WCTV.

Failure to comply could result in the withholding of state funding for the institution.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA and a significant conservative figure, was assassinated in September while speaking at an event at Utah Valley University in Utah. Representative Steele stated the bill aims to honor Kirk’s legacy and inspire future generations of students facing diverse ideological views.

The bill applies to all 40 public universities and colleges in Florida, including major institutions such as the University of Florida (which would rename Stadium Road), Florida State University, University of South Florida, Florida A&M University, and University of Central Florida, among others. Specific campuses and their designated roads for renaming have been outlined in the legislation, according to the Tallahassee Democrat.

The bill filed by Steele carries real consequences, as institutions that do not rename the specified roads within the given timeframe risk losing state funds, a leverage point to ensure compliance. The 2026 Florida legislative session is expected to consider the bill.