US Edition
Conservatives Furious with University Where Charlie Kirk Died—What to Know
- Utah Valley University faces backlash for selecting author Sharon McMahon as its April 29, 2026, commencement speaker, after critics resurfaced her past criticism of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk following his September 10, 2025, assassination on the Orem campus.
- Known as 'America's Government Teacher,' McMahon posted that while Kirk's murder was 'horrific,' it did not erase the harm his rhetoric caused; former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz labeled her a 'liberal hack' and 'horrific choice.'
- The UVU College Republicans group called the invitation 'an insult,' while Turning Point USA chapter president Caleb Chilcutt stated platforming someone who treated a political assassination as 'an opportunity to create content' is tone-deaf.
- UVU President Astrid Tuminez defended the selection, calling McMahon 'a force for good,' though Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah questioned the university on social media, asking 'Why would you do this, UVU?'.
- As the university attempts to balance diverse viewpoints against the legacy of the late activist, the controversy highlights ongoing tensions regarding political violence and campus security amid continued student grief.
16 Articles
16 Articles
Utah Valley University commencement speaker fights back against criticism over comments after Charlie Kirk’s death
Conservative student groups and politicians say the selection of a best-selling author to speak at UVU's commencement is “insensitive” following comments she made about commentator Charlie Kirk after he was shot and killed on campus.
'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.
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