UVU invited Sharon McMahon, a civics educator and self-described “America’s Government Teacher” to speak at the April 29 commencement ceremony.

In a since-deleted social media post from Sept. 12, two days after Kirk was shot and killed on UVU’s campus, McMahon shared quotes from Kirk followed by her own thoughts, saying that “millions of people feel they were harmed,” by what Kirk 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 said, according to a screenshot from the deleted post.

Republican state representatives Mike Kennedy, Burgess Owens and Celeste Maloy have condemned UVU’s decision, along with Sen. Mike Lee and House Speaker Mike Schultz.

“UVU made a tone-deaf decision with its choice of commencement speaker,” Kennedy said in a social media post Wednesday. “The students who witnessed the horrific assassination of Charlie Kirk on their campus deserve better. Inviting a commencement speaker who publicly dismissed Charlie Kirk after the tragic events on campus is a slap in the face to students and others still dealing with the traumatic aftermath.”

Schultz urged UVU to reconsider its speaker to “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,” Schultz said in a post. “This day belongs to them.

“Comments from Sharon McMahon in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s murder were inappropriate and not reflective of the kind of message that brings a community together.”

The Daily Herald reached out to UVU spokeswoman Sharon Turner on Tuesday, who said the university does not have a comment at the time on the matter.

When McMahon was announced as commencement speaker on March 26, university President Astrid S. Tuminez released the following statement: “Sharon McMahon is an original. She is a force of nature and a force for good. As a former history teacher, she understands that education can inform, inspire, and instigate courageous action. Sharon’s work reminds us of the power we each hold, and that every individual is mighty in some way. She underlines how each of us can contribute to a vibrant democracy and how strength comes from knowledge, kindness, and collective action. I think our graduates are very lucky to have her as commencement speaker!”