Utah Pulls License From Troubled‑Teen Boarding School After Abuse Allegations Surface

In a move that’s already raising eyebrows across the state, Utah’s Division of Consumer Protection announced Tuesday that it is revoking the license of Evergreen Academy, a privately‑run boarding school that has long catered to teenagers labeled “troubled” or “at‑risk.” The decision came after a series of alarming accusations, most notably a statement from celebrity activist Paris Hilton, who said a former student told her she had been sexually abused while at the facility.

Hilton, who has become something of a vocal advocate for survivors of abuse, recounted the teen’s story during a televised interview. “She described nights that were… terrible, to put it mildly,” Hilton said, pausing before adding, “I couldn’t just sit back and do nothing.” Her remarks sparked a flurry of media attention and, ultimately, a formal complaint filed with the state’s consumer‑protection agency.

According to the agency’s brief, the complaint alleged that Evergreen’s staff failed to report the alleged assault, ignored mandatory safeguarding protocols, and, in some cases, actively discouraged students from seeking help. The agency says it conducted an “expedited review” and found enough evidence to warrant an immediate suspension of the school’s operating license while a full investigation proceeds.

Evergreen’s director, Mark Thompson, issued a terse statement late Thursday, defending the school’s record. “We have always prioritized the safety and well‑being of our students,” he said, adding that the allegations are “unfounded” and “being addressed through the proper legal channels.” He did not, however, provide specific details about any internal review or corrective actions.

The revocation has left dozens of families scrambling. Many parents, who sent their children to Evergreen hoping for a fresh start, now face the prospect of pulling their teens out mid‑year. Some have expressed frustration, saying they were never warned about the potential for such serious misconduct.

Child‑welfare advocates argue that this case underscores a larger, systemic problem: the lack of transparent oversight for private boarding schools that operate under the radar of standard public‑school regulations. “We’re dealing with institutions that can be almost… invisible,” says Lydia Mendoza, a spokesperson for Utah Families for Safe Schools. “When something goes wrong, it’s often the families who pay the price.”

In response to the controversy, Governor Spencer Cox called for a statewide audit of all private residential programs for youth. “No child should have to endure abuse, and no family should have to wonder whether the school their child attends is even safe,” Cox said in a press briefing.

Meanwhile, the teenage girl at the center of the allegations—who wishes to remain anonymous—has reportedly begun therapy and is working with a legal team to explore her options. Hilton, for her part, announced she will donate a portion of her upcoming tour proceeds to organizations that support survivors of teen‑targeted abuse.

As the investigation unfolds, one thing is clear: the conversation around “troubled‑teen” schools in Utah has taken a sharp turn, and lawmakers, parents, and advocates alike are demanding answers, accountability, and—most importantly—protection for the vulnerable youths who rely on these institutions.