Utah Valley students disapprove of Charlie Kirk critic chosen as grad speaker

(NewsNation) — Utah Valley University is facing backlash from some of its students over who it chose to speak during its upcoming commencement ceremony.

The university chose author Sharon McMahon as the keynote speaker to address the graduating class. Many students at UVU, however, opposed the decision due to a series of posts McMahon made in the days after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated on the university’s campus.

McMahon’s social media posts criticized Kirk and his rhetoric, with one instance reading, “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.

“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,” her post continued. McMahon then went on to say she took time to watch Kirk’s debates and videos to “understand his quotes in context.”

She later said: “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.”

Critics from the school, including its Turning Point USA chapter and the Utah Valley University College Republicans, called McMahon’s posts “an effort to tarnish his name and minimize the tragedy.”

“While universities should welcome diverse viewpoints, platforming someone who treated a historic and tragic political assassination not as a moment to grieve but as an opportunity to create content is tone-deaf and disrespectful to those still affected, especially on this campus,” Caleb Chilcutt, the school’s TPUSA chapter president, said in a statement to local news outlet KUTV.

“There are countless better alternatives, and the fact that the university is choosing McMahon is entirely disappointing to all of us still reeling from his loss,” Chilcutt added. “I couldn’t be more disappointed in this university for such a hurtful and callous decision.”

Copyright 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Iran Embassy in Tajikistan posts AI video of Jesus punching Trump in the face

Trump posts AI image of being embraced by Jesus Christ amid criticism for other ...

House Democrats file 5 impeachment articles against Hegseth

Trump: 'Prepared' to nominate new Supreme Court justice if Alito, Thomas retire

GOP senator calls on House to impeach Boasberg after contempt hearings halted

Bessent says order requiring banks to collect citizenship information ‘in ...

2028 buzz builds as shadow presidential primary takes shape

Former Biden official says Trump’s blockade ‘might be helpful’ in ...

Rogan cracks up over Trump’s explanation of AI Jesus image

GOP senators grow uncomfortable with Trump rhetoric, endgame for Iran

3 GOP backers of Bondi subpoena signal resistance to contempt push

Live updates: Vought defends Trump’s budget in House hearing; FISA renewal ...

Democrats to force House GOP vote on ending Iran war

Anthropic’s Mythos puts DC, Wall Street on high alert

House GOP punts vote on FISA spy powers amid last-minute scramble

TMZ launches DC bureau, tracks down Graham, Cruz on first day

Spanberger signs bill ending tax breaks for Confederate groups

‘Summer House’ alum Luke Gulbranson launches House bid in Minnesota

The Hill Podcasts – Morning Report

© The Hill