UNCW Faces Rising Tensions Amid Political Violence Following Assassination of Charlie Kirk

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — UNCW has experienced several incidents in recent days following the assassination of Charlie Kirk.

Tensions rose after students painted over the UNCW spirit rock Tuesday morning, covering up an image of Kirk that was created following a memorial for the political activist. 

That led to the doxxing of a UNCW student, and now threats are being made against other UNCW students and staff on social media. 

Chancellor Aswani Volety released a statement saying the conflicts have been profoundly disappointing. 

“The ability to truly hear those who think differently isn’t just academic — it’s what democracy requires. You wrestle with complex ideas every day in your classes. Bring that same intellectual courage to political disagreement,” said Volety. 

Psychologist Erika Geisler echoes that sentiment. 

“Right now, everybody is against each other, so it’s one side against the other, this opinion against the other opinion, and I think we need to really recognize that we’re all one community,” said Geisler.   

Volety also called on students to treat others as you wish to be treated. 

“I challenge all of us to be part of healing, not harm. Watch before you act; listen before you speak; think before you post,” he added. 

Geisler says recognizing emotions and talking openly about them can help avoid the violence.  

“Nobody has to sit with things themselves. You’ve got this whole community, use it, and use the resources in our community to talk about the things that you’re struggling with, so it doesn’t come out sideways, like all of this violence and anger. It doesn’t have to be that way,” said Geisler.