In the past 24 hours, America has been rocked by a series of violent events that demand a collective reflection. As Americans, we must ask ourselves: Is this the society we aspire to be? A nation where violence and division overshadow our shared values?
It’s time to confront these issues head-on and demand a future where such events are not the norm.
Remembering 9/11
24 years later, emotions still linger— feelings of loss and unity. We remember that nearly 3,000 people’s lives were taken too soon. We also recognize the first responders who ran toward the danger that day, and the families who continue to carry the absence of their loved ones today.
Remembering 9/11 is not just about looking back— it’s about carrying forward the lesson of resilience and compassion. In that time of darkness, Americans came together as one. Today, we honor that spirit by using this day to reflect and continue to choose empathy and courage.
Loss of Charlie Kirk
As journalists, we uphold the First Amendment— not only as a constitutional protection, but as a guiding principle in our work to inform the public.
The First Amendment states, “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
These protections allow individuals to express their views, engage in public discourse, and participate in civic life, which are all essential elements of a democratic society.
On Sept. 10 at approximately 12:20 p.m. (MDT), Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was assassinated at Utah Valley University. He addressed a crowd of roughly 3,000 people at an outdoor event, marking the first stop on a nationwide tour with at least 15 scheduled appearances. According to ABC News, the tour is organized by Turning Point USA (TPUSA), the conservative group he co-founded and represented in political debates at colleges across the country, as well as in YouTube videos like Jubilee and podcasts.
Regardless of one’s political viewpoints, the use of violence to silence or target individuals is unacceptable in any society, but especially one that values giving every citizen the ability to use their voice.
Evergreen High School shooting
Around the same time as Kirk’s death yesterday, there was also a school shooting at Evergreen High School in Evergreen, Colorado. A student shot two of his peers, leaving them in critical condition. After firing outside and inside the school, the student who opened fire died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
According to data from CNN, a significant increase in school shootings has been seen after 2020, and there have been 366 school shootings since 2021. In just 2025 alone, 47 school shootings have occurred. Gun violence has become a regular occurrence in American society today, and under no circumstances should this be tolerated.
Our liberty and freedom demands responsibility
These recent events are a stark reminder that the America we know and the values we have been taught to hold dear are being tested. The level of unrest, division, and disregard for fundamental decency is unacceptable. No matter what values or viewpoints you have, violence will not do anything but drive people apart, especially in a time when the United States is already divided by opinions.
As citizens, we cannot stand by and accept this as normal. We must restore the sense of security, fairness, and justice that the country was founded upon and that every American deserves. The First Amendment grants everyone freedom of speech, religion, assembly, petition, and the press. Everyone has the right to express their beliefs, regardless of how much others may disagree or agree with them.
This editorial wasn’t just written to reflect on recent events, but to encourage reflection on how we move forward— starting with the everyday actions of students like us. We may not control national conversations, but we do shape the culture in our classrooms, hallways, and communities. Showing respect to others, staying informed, having thoughtful conversations, and being willing to listen are all steps we can take. These small actions can build a stronger, more understanding environment— proving that progress doesn’t always come from big moments, but from consistent, everyday choices.
