SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah State Legislature is exploring whether to impeach Natalie Cline from the state Board of Education, with House and Senate leaders saying they are appalled by her social media posts that have been called "bullying" for allegedly questioning the gender of a high school student-athlete.
WATCH: Can Natalie Cline be punished by Utah State Board of Education for online comments?
Under Utah law, Cline can’t be recalled, but the legislature may be able to impeach her. On Thursday, Senate leaders who would be involved in an impeachment effort said they are consulting with legal counsel and exploring all options.
"We’re looking at all options to deal with everything and have discussions," said Senate President J. Stuart Adams, R-Layton.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Senate leaders across the political spectrum called on Cline to resign over the Facebook posts she made targeting a student.
"I think we all agree it was just shocking," said Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, D-Salt Lake City. "Shock and..."
"Disappointment," added the Senate President.
Senate Majority Leader Evan Vickers, R-Cedar City, said he was "appalled" by Cline's social media post.
"I think I would prefer she step down, but, of course, I guess that’s her choice," he said.
But some lawmakers and the LGBTQ rights group Equality Utah said it was a situation they warned about when the legislature passed a bill restricting transgender bathroom access and a bill that bans transgender girls from participating in school sports consistent with their gender identity. The insinuation that someone could be transgender would lead to targeting and harassment.
"I find it very disheartening that it is happening," said Senate Minority Whip Kathleen Riebe, D-Cottonwood Heights. "I find very offensive that somebody who’s elected to work with children and actually make their lives better is harming them. I find it an egregious violation of what she’s taken an oath to do."
Sen. Riebe said she has introduced an amendment to a school safety bill that would make it a crime to misgender someone in a situation like this designed to target and harass. The bill is due to be debated in the Utah State Senate soon.
The sponsor of the transgender bathroom access bill and the sports bill, Rep. Kera Birkeland, R-Mountain Green, released a statement to FOX 13 News calling Cline's post "awful and unjustifiable."
"A child should never be targeted by adults, let alone an elected official," she wrote. "Utah has a process in place to protect our student athletes from this type of targeted harassment. If a student is on the court, field, or track — no adult, elected official, parent, or athlete should question that student’s eligibility. Treating a child in this way is unacceptable and should never happen. Lastly, Cline should resign.”
