Supporters buy billboards after UVU cancellation
- Fans bought I-15 billboards to protest Utah Valley University's abrupt cancellation of Sharon McMahon's commencement speech. - Organizers raised funds to buy multiple billboards along I-15 to show local support and send a public message. - The protest reflects ongoing campus divisions and local pushback to the university's decision (sltrib.com).
Supporters of historian Sharon McMahon have erected billboards along Interstate 15 in Utah to protest Utah Valley University's cancellation of her commencement speech. (sltrib.com) The university disinvited McMahon on April 17, 2026, after alumni complaints labeled her a "partisan activist." Organizers raised over $20,000 in 48 hours from more than 500 donors to fund four billboards visible to commuters between Provo and Salt Lake City. (sltrib.com) Billboards display messages like "UVU: Honor Free Speech" and "Welcome Sharon McMahon to Utah." They aim to pressure university leaders amid backlash from conservative donors and alumni. (sltrib.com) Sharon McMahon, known as the "Civics Teacher" on TikTok with 1.7 million followers, teaches U.S. history and government without endorsing parties. Her books include "The Little Book of Government" and "Unbridled," focusing on civic education. (sharonmcmahon.com; sltrib.com) UVU President Jennifer Simonson cited "concerns from alumni and community members" in the cancellation email. Critics accused McMahon of bias based on her social media content critiquing extremism on both sides. (sltrib.com) A petition supporting McMahon gathered 8,000 signatures in days, calling the decision a free speech violation. UVU alumni like Ben Nadolski said it "sets a dangerous precedent for canceling non-partisan voices." (change.org; sltrib.com) University spokesperson Kate Ricks defended the move as protecting the "graduation experience" from protests. She noted UVU invited McMahon initially for her "non-partisan expertise." (sltrib.com) The billboards will run through May 2026, coinciding with UVU's commencement on May 4. McMahon responded on Instagram: "Grateful for Utahns standing up for open dialogue." (deseret.com; instagram.com)
