Parents in Sumner County have voiced strong opposition to two school-related initiatives that would honor conservative activist Charlie Kirk. At a recent commission meeting, Commissioner Jeremy Mansfield suggested renaming Wolfpack Way, the road that leads to the Liberty Creek schools, to Charlie Kirk Way. He presented the idea as a tribute linked to the decision to designate Kirk’s birthday, October 14, as “Charlie Kirk Day” in the county.
Mansfield said his motivation was based on Kirk’s ideals and impact on civic discourse. He claimed the renaming would provide meaningful recognition on a school campus rather than being an arbitrary name. However, many parents and community members resisted the proposal, arguing it would erase a connection to school identity. As one parent, Tara Piergies, pointed out, other schools in the district have roads tied to their mascots—such as Green Wave Drive or Bison Trail—and changing Wolfpack Way would undermine the tradition.
The principal of Liberty Creek High School, Dr. Phillip Holt, expressed frustration that county officials had not sought input from the school community. He emphasized that the push to retain the existing name was rooted in fostering school pride and continuity. In a letter to parents, he urged them to voice their opinions and made clear that for the school, the name was not about Charlie Kirk, but about preserving the identity they are building together.
In a related move, the Sumner County School Board voted to adopt a resolution declaring October 14 as “Charlie Kirk Day of Peaceful Discourse.” According to the resolution, students would reflect on the rights in the Bill of Rights and on civic engagement. Board member Andy Lacy, who sponsored the resolution, described it as a symbolic gesture meant to honor Kirk’s life, faith, and public voice. The school system, however, has not yet detailed how or if schools will formally observe the day.
