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West Ridge Academy

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Utah Boys Ranch, now known as West Ridge Academy, is a Mormon reeducation camp for children.

History

The Utah Boys Ranch was founded by the prominent Mormon Lowell L Bennion in 1967, although it is unclear how long he actually maintained a leadership position.

Eventually ownership changed hands, and Utah Senator Chris Buttars became the executive director, and remained so for fifteen years before retiring in the face of some IRS problems.

Abuse

Buttars and the Utah Boys Ranch leadership have recently come under fire with claims of abuse and complaints that staff use Mormon indoctrination in place of legitimate therapy. Numbers of former residents have posted testimonials alleging rampant physical and sexual abuse, negligence, cover-ups, lack of any government oversight, severe human rights violations, and other corruption and forms of inhumane handling of youth.

Media Coverage

On January 2, 2009, an article from a former Boys Ranch resident - written by writer and journalist Eric Norwood - was published detailing some of the abuses and controversial practices of the Utah Boys Ranch. The article erupted on the Internet; instantly drawing the attention of thousands of readers as it was reprinted and discussed at length on hundreds of blogs, message boards, and news websites.

Activism

A websiteand charitable organization have recently surfaced to expose the Utah Boys Ranch and offer support to former victims. Protesters demonstrated at the Utah Boys Ranch annual fundraiser The Scarecrow Festival in 2008.


See also

References

  1. - Buttars Booted From Boys Ranch
  2. - Teen Recounts Physical and Sexual Abuses at Mormon West Ridge Academy
  3. The Mormon Connection
  4. Testimonials From Former Victims
  5. Trapped In A Mormon Gulag
  6. Mormon Gulag
  7. U.B.R.N
  8. Boys Protest 'Mormon Gulag' Fundraiser
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