Ferris State University has rejected a county commission proposal to erect a statue of conservative influencer Charlie Kirk.

County documents from Sept. 18 show the Mecosta County Board of Commissioners voted 5-1 to submit a letter discussing the potential project to FSU President Bill Pink.

The letter, written by Commissioner Chris Zimmerman and provided to News 8 by university officials, said Kirk should be commemorated because he “influenced millions of people across our great nation.”

“He had a real knack for engaging young people in civilized discussions on various topics that influenced public policy. As horrific as his assassination may be, we should not quickly forget his legacy,” the letter stated.

The preliminary proposal suggested the university’s art department could come up with a design and determine a place on campus to house the monument. The county proposed splitting the total costs of the project with the university and noted it could be a way to boost donations from alumni.

“I suspect the board will overwhelmingly approve of splitting the cost of this important undertaking with Ferris. You may find that this concept will be a financially advantageous situation with members of your alumni association,” the letter stated.

Pink responded with a letter eight days later declining the proposal.

“While we condemn all acts of violence and extend our sympathies regarding Mr. Kirk’s tragic death, the University follows a longstanding practice that limits statues on campus to individuals who have made significant, direct contributions to Ferris State University itself,” Pink stated.

The letter also noted that the campus currently only has one statue — that of the university’s founder, Woodbridge N. Ferris.

Dave Murray, FSU’s associate vice president for marketing and communications, told News 8 that university officials do not have any record of Kirk ever formally visiting Ferris State’s campus.