Department of Education Criticized for Honoring Far-Right Commentator Charlie Kirk

Kirk, who called higher education a "scam" and dropped out of college, is featured on a banner alongside educational pioneers

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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The U.S. Department of Education has drawn criticism for hanging a banner featuring the image of late far-right commentator Charlie Kirk, who was known for making inflammatory and racist comments, alongside those of notable educational leaders like Booker T. Washington and Catherine Beacher. Kirk, who founded the group Turning Point USA, was a college dropout who called for the abolishment of the Department of Education and claimed higher education was a waste and a form of ideological indoctrination.

Why it matters

The decision to include Charlie Kirk, a controversial figure who lacked formal education credentials, in a display honoring educational pioneers has sparked outrage and raised questions about the Department of Education's judgment and priorities in commemorating the nation's 250th anniversary.

The details

The banner featuring Kirk's image hangs between those of Booker T. Washington, a writer and educator who advocated for educational opportunities for Black Americans, and Catherine Beacher, an educator and advocate for women's education. Other figures featured include Benjamin Franklin, Martin Luther King Jr., and Anne Sullivan. The Department of Education defended the decision, stating it was honoring 'visionary leaders whose contributions have shaped the future of education'.

  • The banner was hung outside the Department of Education headquarters in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the nation's 250th anniversary.
  • Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10, 2026 at Utah Valley University's campus.

The players

Charlie Kirk

A 31-year-old far-right commentator who founded the group Turning Point USA, was known for making inflammatory and racist comments, and was a college dropout who called higher education a "scam".

Booker T. Washington

A writer and educator who advocated for educational opportunities for Black Americans in the post-Civil War era.

Catherine Beacher

An educator and advocate who fought for women's education.

Savannah Newhouse

The press secretary for the U.S. Department of Education.

David Weigel

A journalist who noticed the banner featuring Charlie Kirk and shared it on social media.

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What they’re saying

“We are proud to honor visionary leaders whose contributions have shaped the future of education for generations. Their work reflects Benjamin Franklin's timeless belief that 'an investment in knowledge pays the best interest.'”

— Savannah Newhouse, Press Secretary, U.S. Department of Education (USA Today)

“Walking along the Mall. First time I've seen the Charlie Kirk banner on the Department of Education.”

— David Weigel (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The Department of Education's decision to include Charlie Kirk in the display has sparked widespread criticism, and it remains to be seen if the agency will reconsider or defend its choice.

The takeaway

The inclusion of Charlie Kirk, a controversial figure who lacked formal education credentials, in a display honoring educational pioneers has raised concerns about the Department of Education's judgment and priorities in commemorating the nation's history. This incident highlights the ongoing debate around the role of higher education and the importance of carefully selecting individuals to represent the values and achievements of the education system.