The president of California State University, Fresno, Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, addressed the campus community following the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. In his statement, Jiménez-Sandoval condemned the violence and emphasized the importance of civil discourse within academic institutions.
“Like many across the nation, we are shocked and saddened by the assassination of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University. Violence has no place in our country, and every such act is a grave threat to our democracy and to the safety and dignity of us all,” Jiménez-Sandoval said.
He described colleges and universities as “beacons of civil political discourse and civic engagement,” urging that differences should be resolved through dialogue rather than violence. “In a society rich with diverse values, experiences, and opinions, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to resolve differences through dialogue, debate, and democratic processes—not through acts of harm or intimidation. We can disagree, even passionately, without resorting to violence. I want to affirm unequivocally that free expression on our campus is protected. We are all impacted by this horrific act, and we must walk alongside each other during this difficult moment.”
Jiménez-Sandoval acknowledged that incidents like these may increase concerns about personal safety among students and staff. He encouraged individuals to review emergency protocols and seek support services available on campus such as Counseling and Psychological Services or the Employee Assistance Program.
“As a campus, we remain committed to fostering a safe environment grounded in respect, inclusion, and open dialogue. We urge all members of our community to reaffirm our Principles of Community and to support one another during this difficult time,” he stated.
Jiménez-Sandoval concluded by thanking the university community for their care for one another and for upholding shared values during challenging times.
