Drama is ensuing on the Utah Valley University campus where Charlie Kirk was assassinated!
Earlier this month, UVU’s president Astrid S. Tuminez announced the university’s official 2026 commencement speaker: American author, podcaster, and former high school government and law teacher Sharon McMahon, widely referred to as “America’s government teacher.”
Tuminez gushed:
“Sharon McMahon is an original. She is a force of nature and a force for good. As a former history teacher, she understands that education can inform, inspire and instigate courageous action.”
However, while some may be excited to see McMahon take the stage, many Charlie Kirk supporters are OUTRAGED as she has been a vocal critic of his. According to multiple outlets, McMahon argued Charlie’s assassination, which happened on the UVU campus in September, does not “magically erase” his past inflammatory takes:
“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.”
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According to KUTV, she added in another post:
“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 … 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.”
On X (Twitter), MAGA Republicans have come out in droves condemning the decision. Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah pushed back:
“Why would you do this, @UVU?”
Turning Point USA chapter president at Utah Valley University, Caleb Chilcutt called the decision a “slap in the face.”
“They could have brought any other speaker. If they liked Charlie, didn’t like Charlie — I honestly don’t really care. But the fact they brought someone who was so critical, literally days after the assassination on my campus, is just shameful for me.”
Former Utah Congressman Jason Chaffetz dubbed McMahon a “liberal hack” and a “horrific choice” as a commencement speaker. See more reactions (below):
“It is extremely disappointing and distasteful that UVU would invite anyone of Ms McMahon’s fanaticism to speak to young, impressionable students. You are literally spitting in the face of a tragedy and memory of a great American patriot.”
“That is disgusting.”
“The woman is full of hate and loves fueling fires ! She must be removed as speaker . Graduation exercises could be very disruptive, time to stage a walkout . This University already ruined graduation day for many. Which person decided on this evil person to speak ?”
“UVU could have done the respectful thing but by elevating a commencement speaker who already made her very partisan views clear they are again insulting students and enflaming tensions. Plenty are still devastated by Charlie Kirk’s murder on their campus”
“Conservative students should walk out when she takes the podium”
“This is extremely disappointing that UVU would take this route. They should have shied away from anyone who was political and especially someone so divisive and hateful about Charlie. Shameful!”
“I go to UVU and the president announced a few months ago that this would be her last year. Sounds like she could care less and is going out with a bang.”
“The same year @charliekirk11 was assassinated on campus @UVU brings an influencer that repeatedly says he deserved it to speak at graduation. @uvu_president is a coward for choosing this after her decision to resign.”
In response, a rep for McMahon pointed out McMahon has “unequivocally condemned the murder of Charlie Kirk, repeatedly, and publicly called his death a tragedy, stressing that public debate must never be met with violence.” The rep went on:
“Sharon’s goal is to unpack what is happening in society and help people understand how government works… She believes what we need most is more bridge-building and more people willing to show up for one another.”
The university’s president has also since defended the choice:
“Sharon McMahon is an original. She is a force of nature and a force for good. As a former history teacher, she understands that education can inform, inspire, and instigate courageous action.”
Yeah, we mean, Charlie was all about free speech on both sides, right? That’s what his supporters praised him for. So if some fans are upset she’s speaking there, does that really align with the stance Charlie stood for? Or is it just too soon and are people right to be upset?
To reiterate what her rep said, she “unequivocally condemned the murder of Charlie Kirk, repeatedly, and publicly called his death a tragedy, stressing that public debate must never be met with violence. Sharon’s goal is to unpack what is happening in society and help people understand how government works… She believes what we need most is more bridge-building and more people willing to show up for one another.”
What are your takes, Perezcious readers? Let us know in the comments down below.
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