Utah

Utah Supreme Court Bolsters Citizen-Led Initiatives, Curbs Legislative Overreach on Ballot Measures

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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — In a landmark decision, the Utah Supreme Court on Thursday sided decisively with citizen-led grassroots efforts, holding that the state legislature acted unconstitutionally when altering a voter-approved ballot initiative that created an independent redistricting commission. The ruling not only impacts how congressional district maps are drawn but also signifies a broader protection for voter-driven initiatives aimed at governmental reform. The case arose after the 2018 approval of the ballot initiative aimed at curbing gerrymandering was significantly rewritten by Utah’s legislature, a move critics said undermined the will of the voters. … Read more

Utah State Moves to Dismiss Coach Blake Anderson, Citing Title IX Noncompliance; Anderson Counters with High-Profile Legal Defense

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LOGAN, Utah — Utah State University has recently declared its decision to terminate Blake Anderson, the head coach of the university’s football program, following a review that cited noncompliance with university policies under Title IX regulations. The investigation found that Anderson allegedly failed to report instances of sexual misconduct and violence, and also allegedly undertook investigations into these disclosures himself, which university policies prohibit. Anderson, declining to accept the allegations without challenge, has enlisted the legal expertise of well-known sports attorney Tom Mars. Mars, who has a history of representing high-profile figures in collegiate sports, … Read more

University of Utah to Close Specialized Student Centers Amid New DEI Law, Prompting Concern and Heartbreak Among Students

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Salt Lake City, Utah — As Becket Harris embarked on her collegiate journey at the University of Utah, the institution’s LGBT center quickly became a sanctuary—a place to cultivate friendships, study, and feel accepted without reservations about her transgender identity. That sanctuary, along with other pivotal campus centers, is now facing closure following a statewide rollback on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that is prompting widespread concern among students and educators alike. Harris, 20, expressed her dismay, questioning the future of her campus community. “What am I going to do without my space on campus? … Read more

Incarcerated Transgender Woman’s Rights Violated: Department of Justice Sues Utah Department of Corrections

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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah — The Utah Department of Corrections has been sued by the Department of Justice after it was found that a transgender inmate’s rights were violated. The DOJ alleges that the state, along with the Utah Department of Health and Human Services, discriminated against the inmate based on her disability, gender dysphoria, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act. According to the complaint filed by the DOJ, the incarcerated transgender woman repeatedly requested hormone therapy but was denied equal access to healthcare services by the Utah Department of Corrections. In addition, … Read more