Utah Valley University has canceled a planned commencement speech by Sharon McMahon, a best-selling author, after old social media posts resurfaced. The university had initially been excited to host McMahon as its graduation speaker.
The decision follows backlash tied to posts McMahon wrote years ago. In those posts, she criticized conservative commentator Charlie Kirk, who was killed in a recent incident. The university did not specify which posts led to the cancellation.
McMahon is known for her nonpartisan approach to political education. She has built a large following by explaining complex political topics in an accessible way. Her books have reached bestseller lists.
The university initially promoted McMahon as an ideal speaker for graduates. Administrators praised her work in fostering civil discourse. The announcement was met with positive reactions from many students and faculty.
Critics argued that McMahon’s past comments were inappropriate given the current circumstances. Some called for the university to reconsider her invitation. The resurfaced posts quickly spread across social media platforms.
Utah Valley University released a statement explaining the cancellation. The statement cited a desire to maintain a positive and unified graduation ceremony. It did not elaborate on the specific content of McMahon’s posts.
McMahon has not publicly commented on the cancellation. Her representatives have declined to provide further details. The university is now searching for a replacement speaker.
This incident highlights ongoing tensions around free speech and public figures. Universities increasingly face pressure to vet speakers’ past statements. The decision reflects a broader debate about accountability for past online behavior.
