Utah State Board of Education member Natalie Cline has faced severe consequences after questioning the gender of a high school basketball player in a Facebook post. Cline posted a flyer for a high school basketball team in Salt Lake County on February 6, with the caption “Girls” basketball," implying that one of the girls featured in the image was not female. The post was later deleted, but not before it drew attention from KSL TV, a television channel in Salt Lake City.

Following an investigation, the Utah State Board of Education decided to censure Cline for her actions. They requested her resignation, stripped her of committee assignments, and banned her from attending board committee meetings. The board accused Cline of failing to respect the privacy of students and portraying them publicly in a negative light.

The consequences didn't stop there. The Utah Legislature also passed a resolution against Cline, condemning her "abhorrent actions" that led to the relentless harassment and bullying of the targeted student, including threats of violence. The parents of the child, Al and Rachel van der Beek, expressed their outrage in an editorial in The Salt Lake Tribune. They described how their 16-year-old daughter was subjected to baseless and cruel public ridicule, causing immense pain for their family. The social media post led to a barrage of hateful and despicable comments that lasted for more than 16 hours.

The van der Beeks emphasized that Cline's behavior was unjustifiable, even if it had been based on fact, which it was not. They highlighted their daughter's natural strength and athleticism, as well as her hard work to become the lead scorer for her team. They condemned the unwarranted judgment, ignorance, and hate displayed by adults and parents who hid behind their computers to bully their child.

The Utah State Legislature's censure resolution against Cline further emphasized the emotional harm caused to the student and the need for additional security at her school due to the threats she received. Governor Spencer Cox signed the resolution, expressing his agreement with the actions taken by the State Board of Education and the Legislature. He also urged voters to hold Cline accountable in the upcoming fall elections.

Cline issued a public apology on Facebook, acknowledging the negative attention her post drew to innocent students and their families. However, she also asserted her right to free speech. In a post titled "Constitutionally Protected Speech," Cline explained that she removed the original post to protect the player after parents raised concerns. She denied claiming that the student was a boy but stated that the push to normalize transgenderism in society made it normal to wonder about people's identities.

Cline's statements came at a time when anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and laws targeting transgender individuals were on the rise. In 2022, the Utah legislature banned transgender girls from competing in high school sports, which was later overridden by GOP lawmakers.

The censure of Cline by both the State Board of Education and the Utah Legislature has sparked a debate about the limits of free speech and the responsibility of elected officials. While some argue that her behavior was unacceptable and violated ethical standards, others believe that she should have the opportunity to defend herself and that due process should be followed.

Cline's future in the State Board of Education remains uncertain as she faces calls for her resignation and prepares for the upcoming fall elections. The consequences of her actions have highlighted the importance of respecting the privacy and dignity of students, regardless of their gender identity.