dailyloe.com – Utah Valley University has canceled its planned commencement keynote speaker due to safety concerns. The university announced it will proceed without a featured speaker for the ceremony scheduled for April 29. This decision follows intense criticism from students and state leaders over the selection of author Sharon McMahon. The backlash stemmed from McMahon’s previous comments regarding an assassination on campus.
The university cited increased safety concerns related to the speaker. Officials made the decision in consultation with public safety professionals and McMahon herself. The ceremony will now proceed without a keynote address. The university’s class of graduates is the largest in its history.
More than 13,400 students are set to graduate this year. The controversy centered on posts McMahon made after an assassination. That assassination targeted Charlie Kirk on the UVU campus. The incident occurred at the beginning of the academic year.
McMahon’s posts, which have since been deleted, criticized Kirk’s rhetoric. She addressed the backlash to posts eulogizing his death. One post stated it is important to remember a tragedy. It said an assassination does not erase harm from his words.
The post referenced harm from the ensuing actions of his followers. McMahon previously addressed these concerns in a statement. She said she repeatedly called Kirk’s death a tragedy. McMahon unequivocally condemned the murder of Charlie Kirk.
She stressed that public debate must never be met with violence. Her stated goal is to unpack societal events. She aims to help people understand how government works. This spirit is reflected in her various projects.
McMahon brings together voices from across the political aisle. She hosts closed-door conversations within her book club community. Participants have ranged from Amy Coney Barrett to Kamala Harris. She has also interviewed Utah Governor Spencer Cox.
McMahon has conducted interviews with Nikki Haley as well. She seeks to foster dialogue and perspective for democracy. McMahon believes society needs more bridge-building efforts. She advocates for more people willing to show up for one another.
The university’s formal statement explained the decision clearly. Safety concerns related to the speaker prompted the change. Public safety professionals were consulted during the process. The university and McMahon mutually agreed to cancel her appearance.[]
Source: KUTV
