Lynden School Board Tables Resolution on Establishing “Charlie Kirk Day”

By Fernando Gonzalez – Bellingham Metro News, Editor-in-Chief

LYNDEN, WA – The Lynden School Board voted Thursday evening to table a proposal that would have created an annual “Charlie Kirk Day,” following hours of public testimony and debate among members.

The resolution, titled “Opposition to Political Violence and Institution of Charles James Kirk Day and Support for Student Debate Clubs,” called for the Monday before September 10 each year to be recognized across the district as Charles James Kirk Day. On that day, students and staff would take time to reflect on the dangers of political violence, while schools encouraged civil dialogue and the growth of student debate clubs.

The proposal came in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination on September 10 in Utah. His death has sparked vigils across the country and internationally. In Lynden, thousands filled Bender Fields last Sunday night for one of the largest community gatherings in recent memory.

Board members shared different views throughout the meeting. Some argued that free speech, even when unpopular, is a value schools should teach and protect. Others warned that adopting the measure as written could lead to the appearance of partisanship, similar to debates in other districts, including Seattle Public Schools’ resolution in support of Black Lives Matter at School Week.

Parents and residents also offered emotional testimony. Several spoke about political conversations at home, saying that while they often ended in disagreement, the exchanges still built mutual respect. Others urged caution and asked that any resolution avoid drawing lines along political or ideological divides.

Faith-based perspectives were also present. One board member, who serves as a pastor, said that being “right” should never come at the cost of kindness, and asked that community members and schools approach the issue with humility.

At the end of the discussion, Board President Verburg announced that the proposal would be tabled. “For a variety of reasons, those things didn’t occur,” he said. “As president I take responsibility for the shortsightedness. The buck stops here. This board is committed to allowing time for the Lynden community to provide input on important topics such as this.”

The motion to table passed in a close 3-2 vote. Several board members stated they may revisit the measure at their next scheduled meeting on October 2.

While the outcome remains uncertain, the discussion made clear that many in the community want schools to encourage open dialogue, civil disagreement, and thoughtful participation without fear of retaliation. Whether or not the resolution returns in October, possibly under a different name, those themes are likely to continue shaping the board’s discussions in the weeks ahead.

Bellingham Metro News will continue following this story as developments unfold ahead of the October 2 meeting.