Dear Members of the St. Bonaventure Community,

The shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk is a tragic reminder of the deep divisions that mark our times. We are living in an era of incredible political polarization.

Yet, as a Franciscan university, we are called to a different path — one guided by our values of compassion, wisdom and integrity.

Violence can never be the answer. To celebrate or condone it is to abandon the very values that bind us as a community. We may disagree passionately on ideas, policies or worldviews, but our humanity demands that we engage one another with respect, patience and empathy.

We are well aware of a social media post one of our students made yesterday, a post that runs completely counter to this university’s beliefs. We have spoken with the student several times to help the student understand the gravity of the situation and let them know how seriously the university is taking this.

We have initiated a formal review of the matter, and appropriate disciplinary action will be taken in accordance with institutional policies and our student code of conduct.

In this difficult moment, let us recommit ourselves to civil dialogue and to building bridges rather than walls. Only through understanding and care for one another can we begin to heal and find a way forward.

We offer our prayers to Charlie Kirk’s family, and to all families devastated by senseless violence.

Peace and all good,

Dr. Jeff Gingerich
University President