SPRINGVILLE, Utah (AP) — In a significant move, the state of Utah has revoked the operating license of Provo Canyon School, a facility that has come under scrutiny following allegations of abuse by socialite Paris Hilton. The Department of Health & Human Services announced that the revocation is due to the school's failure to comply with essential health and safety regulations.
The decision took effect on Monday and outlines a series of violations that have been documented since 2025. Among these are serious lapses in maintaining adequate staff-to-client ratios, which are crucial for ensuring the safety and well-being of the students. The state has given the school a window of 15 days to contest the ruling and request a hearing.
Paris Hilton, who attended the school as a teenager, has been vocal about her experiences, alleging mistreatment during her time there. Her testimony has shed light on broader concerns regarding the practices and conditions within such therapeutic facilities, sparking public outrage and calls for reform.
The Provo Canyon School, located in Springville, has faced criticism not just from Hilton but from various advocacy groups focused on the welfare of children in institutional settings. The multiple citations issued by the state highlight a pattern of negligence that poses serious risks to the health and safety of its clients.
In response to the revocation, a spokesperson for the school stated, "We are committed to addressing the concerns raised by the state and ensuring the safety of our students. We will review the citations and take appropriate measures to comply with regulations." The school's ability to operate hinges on the outcome of the upcoming hearing, should they choose to pursue one.
This development marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing discussion regarding accountability in boarding schools and the treatment of vulnerable populations. Advocates for reform continue to push for stricter oversight and regulations to protect children in residential treatment facilities.