A newly formed pro-life student group at the University of Southern Maine reports sustained harassment from other students, including an anonymous online post invoking the tragic assassination of conservative leader Charlie Kirk. Members of Huskies for Life, affiliated with Students for Life, say the hostile environment began before their official launch and has included online threats and campus protests.
Huskies for Life was established this fall with help from Students for Life’s northeast campus formation coordinator Matthew Gozzi. According to reports, the group immediately faced backlash — two protests occurred even before its first formal meeting. Opposing students inundated the club’s social media with vitriolic comments, many on the anonymous platform Yik Yak, where one message suggested “these Charlie Kirk enthusiasts gotta be careful… don’t they know what happened to that guy,” referencing Kirk’s assassination.
Harassment extended beyond veiled threats. Pro-choice commenters flooded the group’s Instagram with insults including “gross,” “foul s***,” and wishes of harm upon members and their families. Other crude remarks focused on personal attacks and derision of pro-life beliefs.
Kristan Hawkins, president of Students for Life of America, condemned the online threats and harassing language in a public post, noting the painful reference to her close friend Charlie Kirk’s death. She praised the student leaders for standing firm in their mission despite intimidation efforts.
Gozzi emphasized that attempts to silence or scare the group “have been to no avail,” and members remain committed to promoting pro-life values and respectful campus dialogue.
The University of Southern Maine confirmed awareness of the social media posts and said its Department of Public Safety and Office of Student Engagement are offering support and resources to the club. The university noted that anonymous apps like Yik Yak are not affiliated with the school, but if responsible parties are identified, they could face disciplinary action under the Student Code of Conduct.
USM reiterated its commitment to free inquiry and respectful discussion, pointing to institutional policies that protect free speech consistent with the First Amendment while prohibiting threats or harassment that violate law or university standards.
Despite facing hostility, Huskies for Life leaders emphasized their dedication to standing for the sanctity of life, supporting mothers and preborn children, and fostering a culture of respectful debate on campus.
