Trending Now - Utah Valley University Cancels Speaker Amid Safety Concerns

WHO:

IJR - Sharon McMahon, author and speaker, was selected to give a commencement address at Utah Valley University (UVU).

Fox News - Charlie Kirk, a conservative figure, was mentioned in relation to the controversy surrounding McMahon's comments.

WHAT:

IJR - Utah Valley University canceled Sharon McMahon's commencement address due to objections from conservative groups.

Fox News - The cancellation was described as a response to "widespread backlash" regarding McMahon's past remarks about Charlie Kirk's assassination.

WHERE:

IJR - The event was scheduled to take place at Utah Valley University.

WHEN:

IJR - The commencement address was set for 2026.

WHY:

IJR - The cancellation was prompted by objections from conservative groups over McMahon's comments related to the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which occurred at the university.

HOW:

Fox News - The decision to cancel the speaker was made amid concerns for safety following the backlash.

(UPDATED April 17, 2026 17:16 UTC)

Sharon McMahon, an author and speaker, has had her commencement address at Utah Valley University canceled due to objections from conservative groups over her past comments regarding Charlie Kirk's assassination. The university described the cancellation as a response to widespread backlash and concerns for safety following those remarks. The event was originally scheduled for 2026, but the controversy surrounding McMahon's statements led to this significant decision.