University Faces Backlash Over Commencement Speaker Choice

A university is receiving considerable criticism for selecting a speaker whose comments seem out of touch with the recent tragedy affecting its community.

In fact, hours following the death of Charlie Kirk, educator Sharon McMahon claimed that he had inflicted harm on minorities. Still, Kirk is set to be honored during the commencement ceremony at Utah Valley University.

McMahon voiced strong opinions, indicating, “For many Americans—particularly Black, LGBTQ, or Muslim individuals—Charlie Kirk simply wasn’t someone who could engage in an honest dialogue on a college campus.”

After Kirk’s tragic death, McMahon wrote, “This horrific murder won’t erase the controversial words and actions associated with him.” She reiterated that many felt harmed by Kirk’s influence.

The university’s Turning Point USA chapter president, Caleb Chilcutt, voiced his disappointment during a segment on “Fox & Friends.” He expressed that it was embarrassing for the school to invite someone so openly critical of Kirk, especially so soon after his assassination.

“They could’ve selected other speakers. I’m not concerned about who liked Charlie or not. What matters is that this decision feels wrong and disrespectful.”

Former Utah Republican Representative Jason Chafetz also criticized McMahon’s appointment, labeling her a “liberal hack” and claiming she was an inappropriate choice for commencement speaker.

Chafetz suggested that the university has a chance to rectify the situation by rescinding McMahon’s invitation and finding a more suitable speaker, whether an astronaut or an athlete, to honor the occasion.

Many students from TPUSA took to social media to express their views, suggesting that following Kirk’s murder, McMahon chose to detail the hate rather than denounce it. They maintained that graduation speakers symbolize the values of the university.