US EditionBacklash at UVU Follows Selection of Speaker Tied to Posts About Charlie Kirk
- Utah Valley University faces mounting criticism for selecting Sharon McMahon as its April 29 commencement speaker, following backlash over her past online comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
- McMahon posted critical remarks about Kirk's rhetoric shortly after his September 10, 2025, assassination on the UVU campus, arguing the "tragedy of a public assassination does not erase the harm" caused by his words.
- Political figures including Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah are criticizing the move, with Turning Point USA chapter president Caleb Chilcutt calling it a "slap to the face."
- Utah Valley University President Astrid Tuminez defended the selection, describing McMahon as an "original" and "force of nature" who understands that "education can inform, inspire, and instigate courageous action."
- Kirk was killed by Tyler Robinson, who currently faces capital murder charges for the attack; as the university prepares for the April 29 ceremony, some student organizations have demanded the invitation be rescinded.
11 Articles
11 Articles
'Horrific choice': Utah Valley University nailed with backlash for choosing Charlie Kirk critic as commencement speaker
The university where Charlie Kirk was shot and killed is facing intense scrutiny for a tone-deaf choice for commencement speaker. Just hours after his death, educator Sharon McMahon accused Kirk of harming minorities, but she will be given the honor of addressing graduates at Utah Valley University.'To many Americans, especially if you are Black, LGBTQ or Muslim, Charlie Kirk was not a person who simply engaged in good-faith debates on college c…
Utah Valley University condemned for choosing Charlie Kirk critic as commencement speaker: ‘Slap to the face’
Utah Valley University is facing backlash after choosing Sharon McMahon for its commencement speaker, as critics object to her past comments about Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk following his assassination on its campus.
Utah Valley University chooses controversial commencement speaker in wake of Charlie Kirk death
The school announced Sharon McMahon's speech late last month, touting her as "America's government teacher," who shows that "education can inform, inspire, and instigate courageous action."
Utah Valley University faces backlash over commencement speaker choice after Charlie Kirk's assassination
Utah Valley University faces backlash over commencement speaker Sharon McMahon, who critics say made insensitive comments about Charlie Kirk days after his assassination on campus.
The Independent
The Independent (US)Furor grows over UVU commencement speaker after Charlie Kirk posts
Charlie Kirk was fatally shot while speaking on the college’s campus last year
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