Utah Valley University has decided to proceed without a commencement speaker due to safety concerns regarding author Sharon McMahon's remarks about Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated last year. The selection of McMahon, who had previously criticized Kirk's character, sparked strong opposition from students and groups at the university. Conservative groups argued that McMahon's comments were inappropriate and that there were still better options for the speaker. The university announced that it would proceed without the speaker due further safety concerns.