Goebel Farms honors Charlie Kirk with corn maze design

The farm also shared this statement on social media after receiving backlash from some community members. 

We want to provide some additional context about our decision to feature Charlie Kirk in this year’s corn maze.

Our intention was not to suggest that everyone should share Charlie’s beliefs or agree with every statement he made. We recognize that he was a polarizing public figure and that many people strongly disagreed with his views and methods.

Charlie was killed while publicly expressing and debating his convictions. In a country founded on the principles of free speech, no person should lose his or her life for participating in political discussion. People are free to challenge ideas, criticize them and reject them—but violence must never become the response to speech.

That is central to the meaning behind our maze. Even when our disagreements are serious, we must continue talking and listening to one another. When conversation stops, division deepens and it becomes easier to view people as enemies rather than neighbors.

We are aware of several quotations being shared in response to our decision. As with remarks by any public figure, selected excerpts do not always convey the surrounding discussion, intended meaning or later clarification. We encourage people to examine complete sources and context. At the same time, our tribute does not require anyone to defend or agree with everything Charlie said.

The links to Turning Point USA in our original post were included to provide information about the organization most closely associated with Charlie. They should not be interpreted as a blanket endorsement of every position held by Charlie, the organization or its members.

Goebel Farms is a family business, not a political organization. We welcome people with a wide range of political, religious and personal beliefs. We understand that some may disagree with our choice, and we respect their right to do so. We also recognize that using Charlie’s image carries meaning beyond the message we intended, and we are listening to the community’s response.

Our hope remains simple: that Americans can speak openly, disagree honestly and challenge one another’s ideas without hatred or violence—and that our community can continue treating its members with dignity and respect

Goebel Farms