Natalie Cline claims to be ‘harassed’ by USBE in social media post
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — After a week of backlash following a controversial post on social media, Natalie Cline responded saying hardened criminals get a better due process than what she is seeing.
In a post made to social media, Cline said she would like to participate in the closed-door meeting Leadership of the Utah State Board of Education will have today discussing potential discipline against her. However, she claimed the Board was moving too fast for her to properly defend herself.
“The [Utah State Board of Education] is moving so quickly that they are making it impossible for me to read through all the materials they have provided, gather evidence, draft a response, and prepare for hearing,” Cline said online. “Hardened criminals get better due process than I am being provided. Is a decision by the Board legitimate if you don’t provide the accused with proper due process rights?”
Cline said the USBE has “harassed [her] on multiple occasions” over her social media posts, alleging it’s an effort to destroy her reputation with voters.
Cline claimed these latest actions against her may be considered to be election interference, as she is campaigning for re-election to the Board. She further warned that the investigation so close to the election would cause harm to the “good name of the Board.”
“Government agencies that care about their reputations with the public tend to be cautious about taking action that voters may see as election interference,” said Cline.
The USBE denied any action it takes could be election interference, saying in a statement that the laws Cline cited do not apply to members of the Board of Education. USBE also said the Utah Republican Party State Nominating Convention and the Salt Lake County Nominating Convention are not considered elections under Utah Code.
Why you see those giant flocks of birds in winter
“Finally, even if the Salt Lake County Nominating was to be considered a ‘regular primary election,’ Ms. Cline identified April 13, 2024, as the date her seat will be addressed. The complaints were not filed today and today is not the date on which the 60 days would be measured,” USBE said in a statement.
The Board said the complaints it received were filed on Feb. 7, 2024, which would be 66 days from the Salt Lake County convention and 139 days out from the Utah State Regular Primary Election.
USBE Leadership is expected to meet today at 3:00 p.m. in a closed-door meeting to discuss disciplinary action against Cline. While the Board previously said it does not have the power to unseat Cline, it could take actions ranging from a conversation or letter to removing her from committee assignments or meetings.
Late last week, Utah lawmakers unanimously passed a resolution that opened the possibility for the legislature to take action against Cline, which could include impeachment.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
