The Utah State Training School has come under criticism during the past 10 days, with Television Channel 2 making charges of alleged problems at the American Fork institution.
The TV series, which the channel claimed was well-researched, prompted general denials and countercharges of “irresponsible reporting” by several high officials, including Gov. Calvin L. Hampton, State Senate President Ernest H. Dean, and Elaine Sharp, executive director of the Mental Retardation Association of Utah.
In fact, the groundbreaking ceremony for a new adventure and learning park at the Training School Friday was dominated by remarks by these various officials who one by one criticized the television series.
Specific charges made by the channel – mistreatment or neglect, unsanitary conditions, etc. – went unanswered, for the most part. However, a few speakers indicated the allegations should be investigated and any existing deficiencies corrected.
The institution’s superintendent, Dr. Paul S. Sagers, has reported he plans to probe each charge and make a public reply.
The Herald can understand the sensitivity of the Training School as a subject for a critical report. It’s hard to imagine any institution of this type without problems. At best, as one speaker noted Friday, there are “overwhelming problems” in such an operation.
Possibly the TV report lacked understanding and compassion as has been charged. We agree that some of the items cited seemed isolated; that advance promotion smacked of sensationalism that the report might have focused more on present conditions, progress being made, and constructive recommendations.We believe much could be said for the good efforts of many in upgrading the school over the years.
On the other hand, if indeed there is neglect or if deficiencies exist that could be solved with more adequate funding or other appropriate action, these should be brought to the attention of the public.
We believe study and investigation of the school well might be a positive thing – not necessarily with the single-minded goal of white-washing or condemning, but rather to get the facts … the truth on which to base intelligent evaluation and future action.
The announced probe by the superintendent should be made of course. But wouldn’t an investigation broader and more independent in scope be valuable also! The county attorney’s office might be an agency for this. On the other hand, the Training School being a state institution, would it not be appropriate for the governor to appoint a panel of qualified people to conduct a study and offer recommendations?
With an effective followup, it is quite possible the high interest level engendered by the current controversy can work to the long-range advantage of an institution which touches the lives of many families and which performs a highly-important service in this state.