UVU Faces Backlash Over Commencement Speaker's Comments on Slain Commentator

Sharon McMahon's past critiques of Charlie Kirk's rhetoric spark controversy ahead of university's graduation ceremony.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 2:33pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting depicting a solitary university podium or lectern in a dimly lit auditorium, with warm sunlight casting dramatic shadows across the scene, conveying a sense of contemplation and the weight of the commencement speaker controversy.The controversy over UVU's commencement speaker selection exposes the complex intersection of grief, politics, and free speech on college campuses.Orem Today

Utah Valley University's decision to invite author and educator Sharon McMahon as its 2026 commencement speaker has ignited a firestorm of backlash, with some students and conservative groups criticizing McMahon's past comments about the late political commentator Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on UVU's campus just months earlier.

Why it matters

This controversy highlights the complex intersection of grief, free speech, and the cultural divides over how we remember public figures. It raises questions about a university's role in navigating politically charged issues and the challenges of fostering open dialogue in a hyper-polarized climate.

The details

In the aftermath of Kirk's death, McMahon posted a series of critiques on her Threads page, highlighting what she saw as problematic rhetoric from Kirk. She framed her post as an attempt to explain the backlash against eulogies for Kirk, particularly from marginalized communities. Critics like Caleb Chilcutt, president of Turning Point USA at UVU, have accused McMahon of exploiting the tragedy for content.

  • Just months after the assassination of political commentator Charlie Kirk on UVU's campus, McMahon's past comments about Kirk have ignited a firestorm.
  • In the aftermath of Kirk's death, McMahon posted a series of critiques on her Threads page.

The players

Sharon McMahon

A bestselling author and educator who has been selected as UVU's 2026 commencement speaker.

Charlie Kirk

A political commentator who was assassinated on UVU's campus just months before the controversy.

Caleb Chilcutt

The president of Turning Point USA at UVU, who has criticized McMahon's comments about Kirk.

Utah Valley University

The university that has stood by its decision to invite McMahon as the commencement speaker, despite the backlash.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.