A multi-state coalition of Republican attorneys general, led by Brenna Bird of Iowa, is advising universities to refrain from suppressing conservative speech in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s death.

In a letter, Bird and 16 of her colleagues single out “exorbitant” security fees as one method colleges and universities use to curb free speech on campus.

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“Particularly at this moment, it is critical our state institutions of higher learning serve as forums for robust debate from all perspectives,” the letter says. “The campus should be the very place where the First Amendment rings loudest for all to hear. We urge you to say no to the ‘Assassin’s Veto.'”

The “assassin’s veto” refers to the idea that killers target their victims because of their speech. Kirk’s suspected killer, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson of Utah, allegedly killed the Turning Point USA cofounder because he “spreads too much hate.”

Based on the evidence gathered so far, officials believe the fatal shooting was politically motivated.

The letter’s signatories argue universities should not discriminate against students based on their viewpoints, adding their security policies should reflect that.

“Security fees should not be assessed based on the anticipated viewpoints, opinions, or expressions of the participants. And security regulations should not allow for broad administrative discretion without explaining the criteria by which the fees are set,” they said.

“You have an obligation to protect free speech—you must not use the burden of protecting free speech to prevent free speech.”

In the days after Kirk’s death, Arizona State University attempted to heap significant security-related costs onto its College Republicans chapter for organizing a prayer vigil with TPUSA in honor of Kirk. ASU’s administration was also trying to put the vigil in a venue 15 times larger than requested, the student-led group’s president alleged.

Public outcry from prominent Republicans followed, including Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Harmeet Dhillon, who threatened to get involved if ASU failed to withdraw its excessive security fees. The university relented, and the event went according to plan last week.

The Republican officials who signed the letter threatened to investigate colleges and universities in their respective states if complaints about viewpoint discrimination are made.

“We trust that you will continue to take steps to keep your campuses safe,” the letter states. “And we also trust that you won’t use safety as a pretext to silence debate, at a time when it is sorely needed. Not everyone will agree with every speaker that your institutions host. But that is exactly the point.”

Bird was joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, and Utah.

Separately, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is demanding answers from the University of North Texas regarding an incident involving a student who defended Kirk following his assassination. The student was removed from class, while her peers who were mocking the conservative activist’s death did not receive any immediate disciplinary action.

UNT is conducting a “thorough review” of the reported misconduct, President Harrison Keller previously told the Washington Examiner.

Meanwhile, a law firm is threatening litigation against colleges, universities, and high schools that suppress conservative speech.

PAXTON CALLS OUT TEXAS UNIVERSITY FOR PUNISHING STUDENT WHO DENOUNCED KIRK ASSASSINATION

“Any sloppy actions to limit speech on campus or not approve TPUSA chapters, or give them, or similar conservative groups, larger ‘fines’ or ‘administrative fees’ or ‘security fees’ will end you up in a lawsuit,” the Southeastern Legal Foundation warned in a letter of its own.

Less than two weeks after Kirk’s death, tens of thousands of TPUSA chapter requests have been made. With the rush of new requests, SLF says it is already getting calls about students facing pushback for starting the chapters.