- "America's government teacher" Sharon McMahon faces backlash from Utah Republicans over her scheduled keynote speech at Utah Valley University's commencement.
- Critics argue McMahon's past social media posts criticized Charlie Kirk in the aftermath of his assassination.
- McMahon's team emphasizes her condemnation of political violence and commitment to dialogue.
OREM — When Utah Valley University last month announced Sharon McMahon was selected to deliver the keynote address at the university's commencement ceremony on April 29, the choice was immediately met with strong backlash from many Utah Republicans.
The criticism stemmed from what some perceived to be inconsiderate social media posts made by McMahon — commonly referred to as "America's government teacher" — in the aftermath of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk being shot and killed while speaking on UVU's campus.
But in a statement provided to KSL on Wednesday, a spokesperson for McMahon said she "unequivocally condemned the murder of Charlie Kirk, repeatedly and publicly calling his death a tragedy and stressing that public debate must never be met with violence."
GOP pushback
The announcement of McMahon delivering the graduation speech drew the ire of many Utah Republicans.
On April 9, Caleb Chilcutt, president of UVU's Turning Point USA chapter, released a statement condemning the selection.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
— TPUSAatUVU (@TPUSAatUVU) April 9, 2026
Turning Point USA at UVU firmly opposes the university's decision to platform Sharon following Charlie's assassination.
Chapter President Caleb Chilcutt issued the following statement regarding this situation. pic.twitter.com/ezGfBadwNB
"While universities should welcome diverse viewpoints, platforming someone who treated a historic and tragic political assassination not as a moment to grieve but as an opportunity to create content is tone-deaf and disrespectful to those still affected, especially on this campus," Chilcutt said.
Sage Lloyd, president of the UVU College Republicans group, also released a statement, saying UVU "must not fuel the inconsiderate rhetoric dealt since Sept. 10, 2026. We expect McMahon and other character assassins to never be permitted partnership with the university."
The criticism extended beyond Turning Point USA chapters and college Republican groups, with Utah politicians also joining in on the crusade against McMahon.
Utah Rep. Burgess Owens, in a letter addressed to McMahon on X on Wednesday, called on her to withdraw from speaking at the commencement.
"In the immediate aftermath of his killing, when emotions were raw and the nation was processing a senseless act of violence, you chose to publicly criticize him. You did so at a moment when the most basic expectation of public figures is to show restraint and respect for the dead and for those who loved them. Whatever your views, that timing reflected a lack of judgment that cannot simply be set aside now," Owens said.
Utah House Speaker Mike Schultz also chimed in Tuesday, saying, "This is not the right time or the right speaker for this year's commencement. We urge UVU to reconsider and do what is best for its students."
Commencement should be a moment centered on students, their achievements, their hard work, and the families who supported them along the way. This day belongs to them.
— Mike Schultz (@mschultz_12) April 15, 2026
Comments from Sharron McMahon in the wake of Charlie Kirk's murder were inappropriate and not reflective of the… pic.twitter.com/B3h97LzBoI
The outrage around McMahon's selection seemingly stems from a now-deleted social media post made by McMahon on Sept. 12, 2025 — two days after Kirk was shot and killed while speaking at UVU — where she criticized some aspects of Kirk's rhetoric.
In the post, McMahon said, "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."
McMahon's team responds
But in a Facebook post from Sept. 10, 2025 — the day of the shooting — McMahon condemned the act, saying "this isn't the kind of America I want to live in."
"I am sure Charlie Kirk and I would not agree on many things. And my heart is still broken for his family," McMahon wrote in the caption of the post.
UVU President Astrid Tuminez described McMahon as "a force of nature and a force for good" in the university's announcement of its commencement speaker.
"Sharon McMahon is an original. ... As a former history teacher, she understands that education can inform, inspire and instigate courageous action," Tuminez said.
UVU spokeswoman Sharon Turner told KSL on Wednesday that McMahon is still scheduled to speak at commencement but that the university doesn't have any further statements on the matter.
In addition to delivering the commencement keynote, McMahon is also set to receive an honorary doctorate of education from UVU.
The statement from McMahon's spokesperson went on to say that McMahon's goal is to "unpack what is happening in society and help people understand how government works."
"That spirit is reflected in her work — bringing together voices from across the aisle in closed-door conversations with her book club community, from Amy Coney Barrett to Kamala Harris, and in interviews with Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Nikki Haley, to foster the kind of dialogue and perspective democracy depends on. She believes what we need most is more bridge-building and more people willing to show up for one another," said the statement.
