A Utah state school board member is facing widespread condemnation and calls for her resignation after sharing a post on social media that falsely suggested a 16-year-old girl on her school’s basketball team is transgender. Natalie Cline, a member of the Utah State Board of Education, posted a flier for a high school girls’ basketball team in Salt Lake County, with a suggestive comment. The post has since been deleted.
Cyberbullying Controversy
The parents of the teenager, who describe their daughter as a “tomboy” and not transgender, claim that the post led to cyberbullying and are demanding Cline’s resignation. The girl’s father expressed his disappointment, stating that Cline, as an advocate for children’s safety and well-being, should not have instigated the post.
Apology and Defensiveness
Cline issued an apology on Facebook, acknowledging that her post caused a “firestorm” around the teenager and attracted derogatory comments. However, she defended her intent by pointing out the girl’s physical attributes and likening them to her parents. Despite the controversy, she did not indicate any intention to resign.
Elected Officials Denounce Cline
Utah Governor Spencer Cox and Lieutenant Governor Deidre Henderson, both Republicans, publicly criticized Cline’s behavior and called for accountability. They emphasized the importance of elected officials not harassing students on social media and commended the swift action taken by the Granite School District to protect the student’s safety and well-being.
Controversy Surrounding Cline
Local reports have alleged that Cline, who was elected to her first term on Utah’s state school board in 2020, has previously made controversial remarks regarding LGBTQ individuals. Equality Utah, a state LGBTQ advocacy group, also called for her resignation and described Cline’s post as “callous and cruel.” They emphasized the potential harm caused by moral panics and the need to combat hysteria.
Gender Identity in Sports
The incident adds to the ongoing debate surrounding the participation of transgender athletes in sports leagues that align with their gender identities. Numerous states have passed laws restricting the participation of transgender athletes in recent years. Elite sporting bodies worldwide have also grappled with this issue and faced backlash while creating guidelines. The controversy surrounding Cline’s post highlights the significance of this subject.
The Importance of Support and Understanding
The parents of the teenager expressed concern about the potential impact on their daughter’s mental health and emphasized the importance of strong support systems. They urged the community to consider the potential consequences such incidents can have on vulnerable individuals.
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