Kansas Legislature Overrides Veto on Free Speech Bill Honoring Charlie Kirk

Lawmakers pass legislation to protect speech on college campuses, drawing criticism over motives and impact

Apr. 10, 2026 at 12:10am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A dynamic, abstract painting with overlapping geometric shapes and waves of bold, contrasting colors like deep blue, bright orange, and vivid green, conceptually representing the fractured debate over free speech on college campuses.The Kansas Legislature's passage of a controversial free speech bill reflects the ongoing debate over campus inclusivity and the limits of political expression.Prairie Village Today

The Kansas Legislature voted to override Gov. Laura Kelly's veto of a bill that aims to protect free speech on college campuses, honoring the legacy of slain activist Charlie Kirk. The legislation defines outdoor areas of campuses as public forums and allows the attorney general or individuals to seek damages in court. Opponents argue the bill is designed to let student groups exclude members based on political, ideological or religious beliefs.

Why it matters

The bill's passage reflects ongoing debates over the balance between free speech rights and inclusivity on college campuses. Supporters say it's necessary to prevent the silencing of certain views, while critics contend it could enable discrimination under the guise of free expression.

The details

House and Senate Republicans voted by a two-thirds majority to override Gov. Kelly's veto and enact House Bill 2333, known as the Kansas Intellectual Rights and Knowledge Act. The legislation aims to protect free speech by designating outdoor campus areas as public forums and allowing legal action against schools that allegedly infringe on those rights. Opponents argue the bill is really intended to let student organizations exclude members based on their political, ideological or religious beliefs.

  • The Kansas Legislature voted to override Gov. Kelly's veto on April 9, 2026.
  • The bill, HB 2333, was originally passed by the House and Senate earlier in 2026.

The players

Gov. Laura Kelly

The Democratic governor of Kansas who vetoed the free speech bill, arguing it would cause confusion for courts and schools.

Rep. Susan Estes

The Republican state representative from Wichita who carried the bill in the House, saying it sets up neutral policies to allow everyone to speak safely and share differing opinions respectfully.

Rep. Ford Carr

A Democratic state representative from Wichita who challenged other legislators' motives during the debate, telling them to consider the size of their 'testicles' in determining whether they had the 'guts' to override the governor's veto.

Rep. Jerry Stogsdill

A Democratic state representative from Prairie Village who acknowledged the tragedy of Charlie Kirk's death but said the Legislature should not honor someone who used free speech to 'promote hate and bigotry and misogyny and racism.'

Rep. Kirk Haskins

A Democratic state representative from Topeka who raised concerns that the bill treats political organizations the same as religious freedoms, which he said is a violation of the Bill of Rights.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I have long believed that the quality of public debate in our nation has been declining, and I strongly support the toning down of political rhetoric and a return to civility. Schools and college campuses are excellent places to begin this process. However, free speech and civil discussion are already protected by our state and federal constitutions.”

— Gov. Laura Kelly

“This bill sets up neutral policies that get applied to everybody, whether you agree with them or not, to be able to speak safely, a place for counter-protesting safely. If we can't share our difference of opinions respectfully, then I cry for our country.”

— Rep. Susan Estes, State Representative

“I'm certainly not doing anything different than anyone else does when they're addressing the body and they're speaking from the heart and those things that affect them and their constituency. If there is an issue with someone not wanting to represent their constituency, then I would suggest, possibly, that that individual find new employment.”

— Rep. Ford Carr, State Representative

“He was exercising his free speech, which I totally agree with. But when you use your free speech to promote hate and bigotry and misogyny and racism, that is something that this body should not honor and encourage.”

— Rep. Jerry Stogsdill, State Representative

“Now Republican organizations, Democrat organizations, Libertarian organizations, will have the same protection as religion, and that is a violation of the Bill of Rights.”

— Rep. Kirk Haskins, State Representative

What’s next

The new law will go into effect immediately, and the Kansas Board of Regents will need to update policies at state universities to comply with the legislation.

The takeaway

This divisive bill highlights the ongoing tensions over free speech, inclusivity and political ideology on college campuses. While supporters say it protects all voices, critics argue it could enable discrimination under the guise of free expression, raising concerns about the law's real intent and impact.