Graduation Speaker Disinvited From UVU Over Charlie Kirk Posts Tells All
Sharon McMahon, a civics educator and bestselling author, was disinvited from delivering the commencement address at Utah Valley University following a coordinated pressure campaign by government officials and Turning Point USA. The backlash stemmed from social media posts McMahon made after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was assassinated on campus, which some interpreted as controversial despite her attempts to provide balanced context. McMahon criticized the growing intolerance for differing viewpoints in America, arguing that social media algorithms prioritize outrage over understanding and hinder civil discourse.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
By Jesus MesaPolitics ReporterShareNewsweek is a Trust Project memberSee more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.Sharon McMahon, a bestselling author and civics educator dubbed "America's government teacher," was scheduled to deliver the commencement address at Utah Valley University on Wednesday. UVU had endured a traumatic school year that began when Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist and Turning Point USA founder, was assassinated on campus last September. The administration wanted her to help close out a devastating year.McMahon had built an organic social media following by refusing the binary thinking that dominates American public discourse.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Newsweek.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Newsweek
