Paris Hilton says she’s feeling “proud” after a bill reforming residential care for troubled teens was passed by the House of Representatives and will soon officially become law.
Yep, it’s the same law she’s been fighting for after accusing carers at a facility she stayed at in the 90s of physically, mentally and psychologically abusing her.
“When I was at Provo Canyon School, so much of the abuse I endured would have been ILLEGAL under SB 127, a bill enacted into law last night that now finally protects youth in residential facilities,” the entrepreneur and activist shared on Twitter.
Advertisement
“I am so proud of this HUGE accomplishment & steps towards systemic change!”
Paris testified in support of the bill, introduced by Utah Senator Michael McKell last month, describing some of her experiences:
“My name is Paris Hilton, I am an institutional abuse survivor and I speak today on behalf of the hundreds of thousands of children currently in residential care facilities across the United States,” she said to the legislature at the time.
When I was at Provo Canyon School, so much of the abuse I endured would have been ILLEGAL under SB 127, a bill enacted into law last night that now finally protects youth in residential facilities. I am so proud of this HUGE accomplishment & step towards systemic change! #SB127 pic.twitter.com/VwQvPU49C8
— Paris Hilton (@ParisHilton) March 3, 2021
“For the past 20 years, I have had a recurring nightmare where I’m kidnapped in the middle of the night by two strangers, strip searched and locked in a facility. I wish I could tell you that this haunting nightmare was just a dream, but it is not.”
The new laws would prohibit these teen facilities from imposing certain punishments on children such as hitting or denying them basics like food and water. It would also prohibit any punishments intended to frighten or humiliate the kids. And it would place restrictions on when those programs could conduct body searches on the children, place them in seclusion or administer drugs and medication.
I couldn’t be more excited the House passed SB127 tonight. Reform to the trouble teen industry in Utah is long overdue. Thank you to Rep. Brammer and all those who have advocated for these important reforms. Thank you @ParisHilton for bringing attention to this critical issue. pic.twitter.com/mAB4OpYh34
— Mike McKell (@mikemckellutah) March 3, 2021
In a statement to People.com, Paris explains the bill will “protect thousands of youth in residential care from cruel punishments” and prohibit “gender-based discrimination, create suicide prevention policies and more.”
Since the passing of the law, Senator McKell has thanked all those who advocated for reform, including Paris “for bringing attention to this critical issue.”
Paris first made allegation against the school in her YouTube documentary This Is Paris which came out in September last year. The school is under different ownership these days but released statements at the time saying they “do not condone or promote any form of abuse.”
*If you suspect child abuse, please reach out to your local help line. In Australia, you can call 1800 RESPECT or visit THIS PAGE for other resources.
(Feature Image Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com)