Utah teachers already face crowded classrooms, shrinking budgets, and intense political pressure. Now, a dangerous new proposal threatens their very ability to do their jobs.

State Board of Education member Christina Boggess has introduced a sweeping 36-page overhaul of educator conduct rules. Under her plan, teachers could face discipline — even lose their licenses — for behavior labeled “immoral,” “unprofessional,” or “incompetent,” with no clear definitions. The proposal would make punishments mandatory for minor issues, banning teachers from sharing personal contact information, from talking about their lives, or even from showing warmth through hugs or gifts.

These standards are so broad that they risk criminalizing normal, human connections between teachers and students. A supportive word, a personal anecdote, or a gesture of kindness could suddenly become grounds for punishment. Educators fear this policy would silence them, strip away trust, and replace relationships with fear.

The Utah Education Association has already sounded the alarm, warning that the policy “undermines trust and collaboration.” They’re right. This proposal is not about protecting students — it’s about control. By lowering the threshold for disciplinary action, it creates a climate where teachers can be targeted unfairly, leaving them constantly at risk of investigation. That doesn’t build safe schools. It builds fear and drives good teachers away.

We call on Christina Boggess, the Utah State Board of Education, and Governor Spencer Cox to reject this extreme conduct rewrite immediately. Any changes to educator standards must be developed transparently, with input from parents, teachers, and communities. Rules this consequential cannot be forced through without accountability.

Utah’s students need educators who are supported, trusted, and empowered — not punished for minor missteps or silenced from being themselves. Our classrooms should be places of connection and respect, not suspicion and fear.

Add your name if you believe Utah must defend its teachers from extreme discipline rules and stand up for fairness, trust, and real accountability.