Furor Intensifies at Utah Valley University Over Commencement Speaker Selection
Utah Valley University is confronting escalating backlash over its selection of the 2026 commencement speaker, following revelations about her past social media comments concerning conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot on the university's campus last year.
The Tragic Incident and Its Aftermath
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old founder of the youth organization Turning Point USA, was killed during an outdoor speaking event at the Orem campus on September 10, 2025. Tyler Robinson, a Utah resident, has been charged with Kirk's murder. The incident left the campus community in shock and mourning.
Controversy Surrounds Sharon McMahon's Appointment
Now, the university's decision to invite Sharon McMahon—a New York Times-bestselling author, award-winning educator, and social media personality with 1.4 million Instagram followers—as the April 29 commencement speaker has sparked outrage among conservative student organizations and political figures. McMahon reportedly posted critical remarks about Kirk's rhetoric shortly after his death, though these posts appear to have been deleted.
According to local media reports, McMahon shared quotes from Kirk and explained her objections, stating in one post: "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 campuses." She added, "It's important to remember that the incredible tragedy of a public assassination does not erase the harm many experienced from his words and the ensuing actions his followers took."
In another post, McMahon reportedly wrote: "These aren't sound bites taken out of context. Millions of people feel they were harmed, and the murder that was horrific and should never have happened does not magically erase what was said or done."
Conservative Groups Voice Strong Opposition
Caleb Chilcutt, president of UVU's Turning Point USA chapter, condemned McMahon's actions, accusing her of posting "a now-deleted series of out-of-context quotes from Charlie in an effort to tarnish his name and minimize the tragedy, rather than offering condolences or condemning political violence." In a statement, Chilcutt argued that while universities should welcome diverse viewpoints, platforming someone who treated the assassination as "an opportunity to create content" is "tone-deaf and disrespectful to those still affected, especially on this campus."
Sage Lloyd, president of UVU's College Republicans, echoed this sentiment, stating the organization opposes the university's decision. Lloyd wrote: "It is an insult to deliberately select a speaker who mocked the loss of a political figure assassinated on our beloved campus."
Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah also joined the criticism, resharing a post that slammed McMahon and questioning the university's choice with the comment: "Why would you do this, @UVU?"
McMahon's Response and University's Defense
When contacted for comment, McMahon directed inquiries to a Facebook video she shared on the day of Kirk's killing. In the emotional clip, she expressed being "so upset that this happened" and captioned the post: "This isn't the America I want to live in. I am sure Charlie Kirk and I would not agree on many things. And my heart is still broken for his family."
The university has defended its selection, describing McMahon in a press release as "an original" and "a force of nature and a force for good." UVU President Astrid Tuminez stated: "As a former history teacher, she understands that education can inform, inspire, and instigate courageous action."
The controversy highlights ongoing tensions on campus as the university community grapples with the legacy of a tragic event while navigating the complexities of free speech and respectful discourse in a polarized political climate.
