Full Breakdown
University of Utah Reviews Campus “Kirkiversary” Cake Incident and Alleged Doxxing
By Drooid · · How we work
The Incident and Immediate Fallout
A student approached the University of Utah’s College Republicans table with a white cake iced in red letters that read “Happy Kirkiversary,” referencing the one-year anniversary of the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Riley Beesley, chair of the campus College Republicans, and vice-president Rylie Barnes posted a photo of the student—identified by an anonymous X user as Sara Larsen—on the platform X. The image quickly amassed millions of views and was later paired with personal information that reached nearly 20 million views, prompting widespread online backlash and claims that Larsen had been doxxed.
The email offered a closed-door meeting to hear the students’ perspective and warned that the conduct could violate the campus “Threatening or Endangering Behavior” standard. The meetings were cancelled, and the university announced a review of the accusations while affirming its commitment to both free expression and student safety.
Timeline
- January 12 – Beesley recounts a prior threat in which someone said they would “Kirk” him during a Turning Point USA-style debate.
- Early September – “Kirkiversary” cake presented; photo posted to X.
- Following day – University emails to College Republican leaders citing alleged doxxing.
- Later in September – Students protest, submit letters to the dean, and call for disciplinary action; the university cancels the scheduled meetings and continues its review.
Data & Statistics
- The original X post garnered over 6 million views; a subsequent doxxing-related post approached 20 million views.
- A later report noted 6.3 million views of the cake image.
- The X account that posted an apology for the cake had 311 followers and was created in February 2017.
Official Statements & Responses
University officials declined to comment on specific disciplinary actions, citing federal privacy restrictions.
The Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) argued that neither the cake nor the photo constitutes a “true threat” and therefore falls within protected speech, warning that disciplinary action could chill campus dialogue.
On-the-Ground Reports
Protesters gathered on the quad later in September, holding signs such as “doxxing is not free speech” and “protect our students.” They wrote letters to the dean demanding that the College Republicans be de-chartered and that the university address the alleged privacy breach.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether the university’s investigation will result in formal discipline. The university’s email suggested possible misconduct, yet later communications indicated that administrators saw “no grounds to charge” the students. Additionally, while some reports cite the photo as “photo journalism,” others frame it as a catalyst for targeted harassment, leaving the precise legal classification unsettled.
What’s Next
The university has pledged to continue its review of the incident in line with campus policy and applicable law. No specific hearing dates or disciplinary outcomes have been announced, and the matter remains open pending further investigation.