LDS educator upset by forged letters (Letters upset Alpine educator)
Deseret News 22Sep99 P2
By Jeffrey P. Haney: Deseret News staff writer

AMERICAN FORK, UTAH -- An unknown disgruntled citizen is circulation official looking letters under the name of Steven Baugh, the Alpine School District's superintendent. Baugh has opted not to remain quiet any longer about the letters written on official district letterhead. Because of there subject and composition, it is clear that he is not to author, but the Alpine School District superintendent wants the un-known writer to stop.

It is understandable to him that at times all public figure will be anonymously criticized, but Baugh is disturbed that the letters are written on official looking letterhead with his name attached.

The faked letters, the first appearing in August and the second the first of September, have been sent to Gov. Mike Leavitt, the Utah State Office of Education, Brigham Young University's education and athletic departments. All portend to be official correspondence.

What isn't clear to Baugh, though, is the motive behind the attack. The letters deride his leadership positions in the church and his 12-year tenure as superintendent of the 45,000-student district. They also write angrily about the influence the church has through its members in the state of Utah and calls the state severely sexist against women.

It appears that the letters were spawned by the districts handling of some male athletes accused of sexual assault. The author feels that the district protected the promising athletes and whitewashed the alleged affair.

Baugh said the district is contemplating legal action against the author if an investigation by the district reveals his or her identity.