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Utah Valley University Disinvites Sharon McMahon as 2026 Commencement Speaker
Utah Valley University has decided to proceed without a featured commencement speaker for its 2026 ceremony following conservative criticism and safety concerns related to Sharon McMahon, the originally selected speaker. The decision came after the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk on campus in September 2026.
Apr 16, 1:14 PM·1m read1 source
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Utah Valley University announced on Thursday that it will hold its 2026 commencement ceremony without a featured speaker due to increased safety concerns. The university made this decision in consultation with public safety professionals and Sharon McMahon, the author and educator initially selected to speak at the event.
The removal of McMahon as commencement speaker followed conservative backlash over her selection.
Senator Mike Lee, a Utah Republican, criticized the university's choice, writing on X: "What if Charlie Kirk had been a beloved figure on the left, rather than among conservatives? And what if Sharon McMahon were a conservative—one who had defamed Charlie Kirk immediately after his horrific assassination at UVU? Would UVU have scheduled her to speak at commencement?
" Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was fatally shot on September 10, 2026, during a question-and-answer session at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. His death sparked a national outcry about political violence. " Newsweek reached out to McMahon for comment via her press contact form.