Utah boarding school where Paris Hilton alleged abuse as a teen loses its licence
Utah Boarding School Where Paris Hilton Alleged Abuse as a Teen Loses Its License
Utah boarding school where Paris Hilton - The Springville campus of Provo Canyon School, a psychiatric treatment facility for girls aged 12 to 18, has been stripped of its residential care license following a state investigation. Utah regulators highlighted recurring issues, including excessive physical restraint, confrontational staff interactions, and cases of neglect, which have persisted since 2025. These findings align with long-standing claims from survivors, including socialite Paris Hilton, who has been a vocal advocate for reform.
Testimony and Advocacy
Hilton, 45, recounted her time at the school in the 1990s during a congressional hearing in 2024. She described being subjected to physical altercations, forced medication, and solitary confinement as part of behavior modification programs. Her parents were assured that these measures would correct her behavior, but Hilton said the experience left her deeply traumatized. "The facility failed the children in its care," she stated in a BBC interview, emphasizing the lasting impact on survivors.
"For over fifty years, children have shared stories of abuse, neglect, and trauma. Today, the state has validated what survivors have long known: Provo Canyon School let down the youth it was meant to protect," Hilton added.
Alongside her testimony, Hilton has pushed for legislative action to hold private, profit-driven centers accountable. She highlighted the "troubled teen industry" as a system that often prioritizes discipline over well-being. The school’s website describes its program as an intensive residential treatment center aimed at supporting adolescents with behavioral challenges.
Legal Response and Pending Appeal
The school announced it would challenge the decision, stating it is reviewing all legal and administrative options. "We remain committed to providing safe and high-quality care for teens and their families," officials said in a statement, though they acknowledged limitations in their current ability to comment publicly.
State health authorities cited the school for failing to deliver adequate safety and health services. The license cancellation mandates that all services at the Springville campus cease by 6 August, with a 15-day window for an appeal. This follows recent complaints from former residents, who have joined Hilton in calling for the school’s closure.
Meanwhile, the school’s Provo campus faces temporary restrictions after an inquiry found staff failed to intervene during a violent incident and delayed medical attention for a student. "The boys campus continues to serve those under our care but cannot accept new students at this time," the school noted on its website.