SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah Board of Education voted Wednesday night to formally censure fellow member Natalie Cline and call for her resignation.
The vote was unanimous — except for Cline herself, who did not attend the meeting. The total was 14-0.
Cline recently came under fire for making comments on Facebook that falsely targeted a girl's basketball player for being transgender.
"Discussion of subsequent posts by member Cline that referenced concerned parents, in the context of whether this student was a boy or transgender, make clear that it was put in context in a forum where it was fairly clear that it invites scrutiny," said Board Chairman James Moss.
The board's vice chairman made a motion that requests Cline to resign by Feb. 19 and issues a resolution of formal censure. The motion also removes Cline from all standing board committees and any additional board committee assignments, and it prohibits her from placing items on upcoming Board agendas or attending any Board advisory committee meetings.
"This action we took as a board today really signifies how seriously we took this issue," said Kelsey James, the board's communications director.
Although the board does not have the power to remove Cline from her position, she can face discipline such as those listed above.
"The Board would like to extend its deepest apologies to those harmed by this conduct, in particular the student who was targeted because of Member Cline’s post," the board said in a statement. "No individual, especially a child, should be subject to such comments and judgement. We hope that the actions taken today can provide support for the student and the family."
Officials across Utah have called for Cline to resign, issuing resolutions condemning her actions, while lawmakers in the state legislature are discussing the possibility of impeaching Cline.
FOX 13 News asked James if the decision Wednesday night came from any pressure from others speaking out against Cline.
"The board's decision is not reflective of any other entity taking action or urging us to take action. This is the action that was taken after consideration of the evidence presented in our executive session," she responded.
In addition, all members of the House Majority Leadership met with Cline. Details about what they discussed have not been disclosed at this time.
