UVU cancels controversial commencement speaker invite

Utah Valley University said it will no longer have Sharon McMahon as its April 29 commencement speaker after old social‑media posts resurfaced. (uvu.edu) The university announced the change on April 16, 2026, saying the decision came “in consultation with public safety professionals and Sharon McMahon” because of “increased safety concerns.” (sltrib.com) McMahon is a best‑selling author and former history teacher known online as “America’s Government Teacher”; UVU had originally named her the keynote and an honorary Doctor of Education recipient. (uvureview.com) The selection drew rapid criticism from Utah Republican leaders and conservative student groups after posts McMahon made in the aftermath of Charlie Kirk’s killing on the UVU campus were highlighted. (abc4.com) McMahon’s team said she “unequivocally condemned” the murder and emphasized a commitment to civil dialogue when responding to the backlash. (ksl.com) UVU’s statement said the university will proceed without a featured speaker at the UCCU Center ceremony and stressed it was preparing to celebrate more than 13,400 graduates. (uvu.edu) Supporters of McMahon have pushed back online and, according to local reports, have purchased billboards along I‑15 to protest the cancellation. (msn.com) UVU reiterated it intends to “come together as a community” for commencement on April 29 and declined to name a replacement keynote speaker. (uvu.edu)