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Utah Valley University Faces Backlash Over Commencement Speaker Choice

4/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

Utah Valley University faced backlash after inviting Sharon McMahon as commencement speaker.
The backlash arose amid the September assassination of Charlie Kirk on campus.
Sharon McMahon expressed sorrow over Kirk's death and criticized his rhetoric as bigoted.
Kirk supporters accused the university of insensitivity, framing Kirk's events as celebrations of free expression.
University President Astrid Tuminez praised McMahon's message about unsung heroes, saying it could heal the community.

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Story summary

Utah Valley University faced backlash after inviting Sharon McMahon as commencement speaker.
The backlash arose amid the September assassination of Charlie Kirk on campus.
Sharon McMahon expressed sorrow over Kirk's death and criticized his rhetoric as bigoted.
Kirk supporters accused the university of insensitivity, framing Kirk's events as celebrations of free expression.
University President Astrid Tuminez praised McMahon's message about unsung heroes, saying it could heal the community.