WILMINGTON — UNCW is pausing the painting of its two spirit rocks and “freedom of expression events” after confrontations arose last week following a vigil for Charlie Kirk and alleged threats that eventually led to a campus lockdown.
“Given the tensions that emerged on campus last week related to the spirit rock located outside of Fisher Student Union, as well as external responses and threats to campus, UNCW will temporarily discontinue use of campus spirit rocks and pause freedom of expression events,” the university wrote in a press release Monday.
Painting on both spirit rocks, located outside the Fisher Student Union and Wagoner Dining Hall, will not be allowed. Any currently scheduled freedom of expression permits issued for University Amphitheater and Wagoner lawn will also be rescheduled at a later date.
These include the following events scheduled this week:
- Sept. 22: UNCW student event at the amphitheater from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Sept. 24: MorningStar Fellowship at Wagoner Dining Hall lawn from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Sept. 26: Gordon Road Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses at the amphitheater from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
UNCW said all event organizers were contacted and agreed to reschedule their events.
“UNCW’s decision to temporarily pause use of the campus spirit rocks and scheduled freedom of expression events is part of an effort to de-escalate tensions and prioritize campus safety,” UNCW spokesperson Andrea Weaver. “This flexible timeline allows UNCW to respond thoughtfully to evolving circumstances while reaffirming its commitment to free expression, civility and mutual respect.”
The tension began after Sept. 15’s candlelight vigil for right-wing political activist Kirk, who was shot at a public debate event at Utah Valley University on Sept. 10. UNCW students painted Kirk’s image on the school’s spirit rock. This creative outlet is often utilized by students to promote events, groups or affirmations.
On Tuesday, following Kirk’s vigil, the rock was covered in blue paint, leading to a confrontation among students, some who were splashed with paint.
The incident picked up national attention from Fox News and the New York Post, and on social media, where one account claimed an “nc group militia” was tracking students and staff that have posted “hateful rhetoric” regarding Kirk. It also came with a threat that some would show up Friday to “take care of the problem.”
Subsequently, a threat was made in the early hours Thursday morning, requiring evacuation of Randall Library and Discovery Hall.
By Thursday evening, the campus was issued a lockdown after reports came in claiming there was a person carrying a gun on campus, prompting law enforcement sweep from local, state and federal agencies. The reports were ruled a false alarm, with classes canceled Friday.
But students returned Monday to increased police presence at the main campus entrances and via foot. Campus police also expanded its team with additional law enforcement personnel to further strengthen coverage and provide enhanced visibility across campus, according to the university.
UNCW says students continue to have a variety of avenues for free expression, including displays under UNCW Policy 02.360 and 02.370 Policy on Demonstrations. The latter allows for spontaneous expressions that do not materially disrupt campus activities and align with time, place and manner considerations and facility use and student organization reservations.
“We are hopeful that this pause will allow us to reflect on how we engage with each other, so that when these forms of freedom of expression activities resume, we can reflect the best of our values as an institution of learning and as Seahawks,” the university noted in a release.
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