Utah boarding school where Paris Hilton alleged abuse loses its licence

Utah state regulators have revoked the operating licence of Provo Canyon School’s Springville campus after evidence of unnecessary restraint, aggressive physical contact and neglect was found, triggering a national debate on the safety of youth residential treatment centres.

Paris Hilton, who spent nearly a year at the school in the 1990s, has repeatedly spoken out about alleged physical assault, solitary confinement and forced medication. She says the institution “failed the children in its care” and has campaigned to close the facility.

The letter from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services notes the school failed to provide applicable health and safety services, and the residential‑treatment licence has been cancelled. All services at the Springville campus must be terminated by 6 August, giving the school 15 days to challenge the decision.

Students and former residents, many of whom have called for closure of the school, are backing Hilton’s case. The boys’ campus in Provo has also faced temporary restrictions, with a recent inquiry finding staff failed to protect a boy during an altercation and neglected to seek immediate medical care.

Hilton’s testimony before Congress in 2024 and her advocacy against the “troubled teen industry” underline the growing demand for stronger oversight of for‑profit youth treatment facilities.

Last updated: 2 hours ago