A member of the Utah Education State Board of Education, Natalie Cline, who faced calls to resign over allegations of bullying a student on social media, has decided to run for reelection instead. Cline, a conservative board member, received criticism from both Republicans and Democrats after a social media post questioning the gender of a high school basketball player led to threats against the student and her family.
Utah Education
Last week, the Legislature censured Cline, and in response to a demand from board colleagues to resign, she announced her reelection campaign on Facebook. The board has restricted her attendance at meetings and the ability to place items on the agenda.
In her reelection announcement, Cline positioned herself as a defender of faith, family, and freedom. She pledged to combat educational systems that she believes “erase children’s sexual inhibitions and boundaries and confuse them about biological reality.” Cline also warned voters about the need to protect children from teachers who might exploit or indoctrinate them.
Despite the board stripping Cline of most administrative duties, only the Legislature has the power to impeach her. Lawmakers opted for a symbolic resolution denouncing her actions as a “repugnant attack on a student,” which carries no real penalty. Republican Governor Spencer Cox swiftly signed the resolution after it received almost unanimous support in both chambers.
Cline had previously faced an investigation for inflammatory comments about LGBTQ students but remained in office. Her recent controversy has allowed her to gain momentum for her reelection campaign and raise her profile within the Republican Party.
After discovering that the girl in her social media post was not transgender, Cline apologized for sparking vulgar comments but maintained her initial suspicions, citing a national push to normalize transgender identities.
Governor Cox believes the forceful censure will have a similar impact to impeachment, urging voters to hold Cline accountable in the upcoming election. Republican legislative leaders defended censure over impeachment, citing concerns about drawing more attention to Cline and exposing the girl’s family to additional harassment.
Local LGBTQ rights advocates blame Cox and Republican legislators for creating an anti-transgender climate through laws restricting bathroom access and banning gender-affirming medical procedures for trans youth. Governor Cox insists that Cline is solely responsible for her actions. Additionally, a 2022 state law banning trans girls from playing on girls’ sports teams is temporarily on hold due to a legal challenge.
