UTSA Student Apologizes for Kirk Poem

Isabela Casahuga Lemgruber issued a video apology after reciting a poem mocking the anniversary of Charlie Kirk's assassination at a campus event.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in College Life

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a limestone institutional building facade with a flagpole, rendered in deep red and cream. — A University of Texas at San Antonio student apologized in a video after reciting a poem mocking the anniversary of Charlie Kirk's assassination at a September 23 campus event. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

UT San Antonio student Isabela Casahuga Lemgruber, 19, released a video apology for a poem she recited at a September 23, 2026 campus event that described the anniversary of Charlie Kirk's assassination as the "Kirkiversary." The university is reviewing her conduct through its student conduct process.

Why it matters

The incident has drawn attention to how campus speech about political violence is handled and disciplined at a major San Antonio university. Its outcome may shape how the university and its students approach comments made at public campus events.

UT San Antonio confirmed it is reviewing the student's conduct, but spokesman Joe Izbrand said no disciplinary action has been disclosed. The Board of Regents chairman and UT System chancellor issued a joint statement on the matter.

The players

Isabela Casahuga Lemgruber

A 19-year-old University of Texas at San Antonio student who recited the poem and issued the apology video.

Christian Collins

The host of the Pick Up the Mic event where the poem was recited, who said he forgave Lemgruber.

Erika Kirk

The widow of Charlie Kirk, to whom Lemgruber addressed her apology.

The details

Lemgruber recited the poem at a "Pick Up the Mic" event hosted by Christian Collins, who later said he forgave her. In her apology video, addressed to Erika Kirk and the Kirk family, Lemgruber invoked her faith.

September 23, 2026: Lemgruber recites the poem at the campus event.
November 3, 2026: Lemgruber releases her apology video.

Campus Speech Debates

The episode continues the wave of disciplinary reviews at U.S. universities over student comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination in 2025. It places UT San Antonio within that broader pattern of institutional responses to political speech on campus.

Students at UT San Antonio and other area campuses may face closer scrutiny of comments made at public events, depending on how the conduct review concludes. Event hosts and participants should understand that remarks recited at campus programs can prompt formal university review.

The takeaway

Campus speech at public events can carry real consequences, and students should consider how their words may be received beyond the room. Institutions reviewing such remarks will likely draw scrutiny whichever way they decide.