Guest opinion: Natalie Cline-Innocent victim or stone thrower? by Deborah Gatrell Thereâs a lot of talk about protecting children these days. I believe most of it is sincere, which means there are solutions to be found. I was heartened to see unanimous support for Senate Bill 205 in the Senate Education Committee on Friday, February 9th, which will ensure children are taught, in age appropriate ways in school, to recognize signs of child sexual abuse so they are empowered to speak up for themselves. This is good! (I attended) the emergency Granite School Board meeting discussing a resolution condemning State Board Member Clineâs recent cyberbullying of a student-athlete. I sat by a lovely retired teacher named Mary and quickly found out she was there to support Natalie Cline, but did not know what Cline had done or why she was being condemned. So, I briefly shared Clineâs original post and the follow up apology. Mary responded that transgenderism was wrong, but agreed that going after a female student for her appearance was going too far. The school board made it clear they were there to conduct business and would not tolerate disruptions. President Nicole McDermott presented the resolution, accepted a motion to pass it and allowed discussion per parliamentary procedure. Board member Kim Chandler read a prepared statement defending Clineâs right to due process and then, in a 6-1 vote, the Board passed the resolution condemning Clineâs actions and calling on school boards across the state to join in demanding her resignation. The Board then moved to adjourn and the meeting ended. The crowd immediately erupted in applause for a loud and long standing ovation. My new friend Mary stayed seated. As we collected our things to leave â she wanted to find Kim â Mary leaned over with a quick hug and reminded me what Christ had said about the woman caught in adultery â let him without sin cast the first stone. Iâve been thinking about this. Is Cline more appropriately compared with the woman caught in sin who was brought to Christ for judgment, or the crowd intent on stoning her? (Read More) News Releases Utah House Minority Leader Angela Romero on Natalie Clineâs decision to seek re-election Utah House Minority Leader, Representative Angela Romero, releases the following statement: âI am deeply disappointed by Natalie Clineâs decision to seek re-election for the Utah State School Board. While she has a history of targeting marginalized communities, an action often argued to be protected by freedom of speech, her latest move crossed a line. She targeted a child on social media, which led to censure by her colleagues and the state legislature. When individuals are elected, they are entrusted with positions of authority and are expected to adhere to higher standards. Unfortunately, her recent action failed to meet those standards, which is why I had a substitute resolution drafted to start the impeachment process. I sincerely hope that Utah voters will hold her accountable and demonstrate that such behavior is not tolerated by voting her out in the upcoming election.â Utah Valley University to host International Mother Language Day Utah Valley Universityâs (UVU) annual International Mother Language Day celebration will take place Wednesday, Feb. 21 in the Ragan Theater â Sorensen Student Center â from 9 a.m. â 6 p.m. It will be hosted by the universityâs College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Highlights of this yearâs event include speeches, dances, songs, and demonstrations, all designed to showcase the beauty and significance of linguistic and cultural diversity. Attendees can expect an occasion that embraces the unique voices and traditions that enrich heritage. The UVU community, as well as the public, are invited to join this celebration of language and culture. (Read More) Romney: Utahns are very anxious to have a passport office in Salt Lake City Senator Mitt Romney (R-UT) today continued his longstanding effort to bring a passport agency to Salt Lake City by welcoming Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Rena Bitter, and representatives from the U.S. Department of State, to Utah. Throughout the week, the State Department, in coordination with the Utah Congressional Delegation, hosted five âpassport fairsâ throughout the state to provide Utahns with an opportunity to obtain passport services closer to home. (Read More) | 