Demand GoFundMe Enforce Their Own Policy, Remove & Refund Donors of the “Going Back to TXST” Campaign
Background: GoFundMe’s Terms of Service are clear: the platform will not host fundraisers that promote or benefit from violence, extremism, or harassment. Section 8.8 specifically prohibits “any activity in support of terrorism, extremism, hate, violence, harassment, bullying, or discrimination.” Yet today, GoFundMe is hosting a fundraiser for Devion Canty Jr., whose notoriety comes from grotesquely reenacting the assassination of Christian conservative leader Charlie Kirk at a Texas State University memorial service. His appeal for donations is rooted in that violent display, which the university itself condemned as “mocking, trivializing, or promoting violence” and in direct violation of its student conduct code. Why This Matters: This is not about free speech. The First Amendment protects expression, but it does not entitle anyone to mock violence and then profit from it by utilizing a commercial fundraising platform. By allowing this campaign to continue, GoFundMe is going against their own stated policy and allowing Canty Jr. to monetize on the grounds of harassment and intimidation. Conflicts With Section 8.8: Rooted in Harassment & Violence: The campaign exists only because of Canty Jr.’s despicable actions at a solemn memorial service he was never personally invited to attend. His disgusting assassination reenactment demeaned the life and death of Charlie Kirk and disrupted those taking time out of their day to honor him. Profiting from Intimidation: Canty Jr.’s campaign narrative casts himself as the ‘real victim,’ while fundraising directly from the controversy his own behavior created. Violence as a Selling Point: Some donors may not be contributing because of merit or education, but because of the notoriety surrounding a violent act—exactly what GoFundMe prohibits. Inconsistent Enforcement: GoFundMe has acted before. In 2022, the platform froze and refunded more than $10 million for Canada’s “Freedom Convoy,” citing links to “police reports and other unlawful activity.” Leaving Canty Jr.’s fundraiser online now demonstrates selective enforcement, undermining public trust. Call to Action: To NTC Advocates: Join NTC President Chad Banghart in sending correspondence to: GoFundMe’s CEO Tim Cadogan, Chief Legal Officer Kim Wilford, and Senior Director of Communications Leigh Lehman. Demand you want the “Going Back to TXST” fundraiser removed for violating Section 8.8 of GoFundMe’s Terms of Service. To GoFundMe: Remove the Canty Jr. campaign or explain why it does not violate Section 8.8. Consistency is essential for public trust. To Potential Donors: Ask whether your contributions reward education or help fund harassment rooted in violent mockery. To the Public: Stand up for even-handed enforcement. Free speech is protected by law, but companies must apply their own standards fairly across the board. Conclusion: If GoFundMe refuses to enforce its own rules, its policies are hypocritical and meaningless. This is not about politics – it is about integrity, trust, and ensuring no one profits from celebrating or reenacting violence. Email Contact Information: GoFundMe’s CEO: Tim Cadogan Email: Tim@gofundme.com GoFundMe’s Chief Legal Officer: Kim Wilford Email: KWilford@gofundme.com GoFundMe’s Senior Director of Communications: Leigh Lehman Email: LLehman@gofundme.com Physical Mailing Address: ATTN: (INSERT NAME HERE) GoFundMe 855 Jefferson Avenue Redwood City, CA. 94063
