Utah Valley University Selects Sharon McMahon as Commencement Speaker Amid Backlash

Utah Valley University announced Sharon McMahon, an author and educator, as the speaker for its upcoming commencement ceremony. The event will address the graduating class at the university in Orem, Utah. The decision has prompted objections from certain students and groups on campus.

Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was assassinated on the Utah Valley University campus prior to the announcement. Days after the incident, McMahon posted on X, stating that the murder was horrific and should not have occurred, but added that it does not erase prior statements or actions by Kirk.

She noted that to many Americans, particularly those who are Black, LGBTQ, or Muslim, Kirk did not engage in good-faith debates on college campuses.

The backlash centers on McMahon's comments made shortly after Kirk's death. Caleb Chilcutt, president of the Turning Point USA chapter at Utah Valley University, described the speaker selection as a slap to the face during an appearance on Fox & Friends.

He stated that the university could have selected another speaker and called the choice shameful given the timing and location of the assassination.

Chilcutt reported divided reactions on campus, with conservative students expressing upset over the decision while some liberal students appeared to celebrate it. He suggested that the university, as Utah's largest, should reconsider the choice. He indicated there is still time to change the speaker to someone neutral, such as an astronaut or athlete.

Background on the Controversy Turning Point USA is a conservative student organization active on college campuses, including Utah Valley University.

Kirk's assassination on the campus heightened tensions among student groups. The university has not publicly responded to the criticism as of the latest reports. Commencement ceremonies typically feature speakers who inspire graduates and reflect institutional values.

Utah Valley University's selection process for speakers is not detailed in available information, but the choice of McMahon has spotlighted debates over political commentary in academic settings. The event is scheduled for the spring semester, affecting thousands of graduating students and their families.

Potential Next Steps Critics have called for the university to cancel McMahon's appearance and select an alternative speaker.

University officials have not commented on whether changes will be made. The situation underscores ongoing discussions about free speech, sensitivity to recent events, and speaker selections at public institutions.