Public Officials Publicly Harassing Children*

Utah secondary student-athletes are not immune to the epidemic of sexual abuse, harassment, and discrimination suffered at the hands of those entrusted with their care and responsibility. Given the fear, shame, confusion, and vulnerability victims of sexual discrimination, harassment, and abuse experience (compounded by the threat of public exposure and ridicule, and the threat of retaliation if they report the misconduct), many violations remain unaddressed.

The breadth of the epidemic is only beginning to be exposed as courageous young students and athletes come forward. Some victims, like the teenage basketball player whose image and identity were thrust into the public domain by Utah State School Board member Natalie Cline, have no choice.

Child victims of sexual harassment, discrimination, and abuse suffer extreme mental, emotional, and psychological harm, which negatively affects all aspects of their lives, including their academic and athletic experience and performance. The damage caused by the likes of Cline during these children’s formative years has lifelong consequences.

Utah State Board of Education (“USBE”) member Natalie Cline — no stranger to public expressions and displays of hatred and bigotry — posted on her Facebook page a photograph of high school girls basketball players from a school in a…