Friends, we need your help to address a pressing issue in Hurricane, UT. On September 19th, Hurricane City is hosting a groundbreaking for the new “Bob Lichfield Recreation Center”. 

� Who is Bob Lichfield? Robert Lichfield founded the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASP), a controversial umbrella organization of troubled teen programs that stretched across the world. WWASP faced horrific allegations of child abuse and fraud. Despite its dissolution, the harm that WWASP has caused lives on in the survivors of these programs. They have yet to receive any kind of justice.

�️ The Issue: Hurricane, UT plans to build two gymnasiums in honor of Robert Lichfield. This decision has sparked concern among WWASP survivors as the memorialization of someone who was central to our experiences is harmful. Additionally, the wealth that Lichfield accrued to our detriment is ultimately what will be funding this project.

� Why Should You Care? WWASP has left a trail of fractured families and lives cut short due to the abuse experienced in these programs. By signing the petition, you're showing solidarity to our community, calling for a reevaluation of this decision, and advocating that Hurricane stands up for what's right.

�️ Your Voice Matters: The petition will be presented to local government and media to raise awareness.

� Calling All WWASP Survivors: If you would like to share your experience or thoughts through a personal letter, please send them to Caroline@caroline-cole.com. Your letters will be delivered to Hurricane officials with the petition. Please maintain respectful and empathetic language. Threatening or inappropriate content will not be included. Disclaimer: Your letters will not be sent to any media outlets.

Join us in making a difference. Sign the petition and share this post to amplify our message of justice, accountability, and unity.

 

Dear City of Hurricane,

We, the undersigned, are writing to express our deep concern and opposition to the proposed initiative to build two gymnasiums in honor of Robert Lichfield in the city of Hurricane, UT. We believe that such an initiative is inappropriate and sends the wrong message, given Robert Lichfield's association with the World Wide Association of Specialty Programs and Schools (WWASP).

As many are aware, WWASP was an umbrella corporation that oversaw numerous teen behavior modification programs, boot camps, and therapeutic boarding schools. Founded by Robert Lichfield in the early 1990s, WWASP became one of the largest entities in the troubled teen industry. However, the legacy of WWASP is marred by allegations of child abuse, unhealthy conditions, and fraudulent practices at its various facilities.

Over the years, investigations into these allegations led to the closure of over 20 WWASP-affiliated programs, and eventually, the dissolution of the organization itself. Multiple lawsuits were filed against WWASP, including a joint action lawsuit representing over 350 plaintiffs who alleged physical and sexual child abuse, as well as acts of fraud and racketeering.

While WWASP may no longer exist as an organization, its legacy persists. WWASP has left a trail of broken families and survivors who experienced life-altering trauma. Survivors of these programs have yet to receive justice or accountability of those directly responsible for their abuse. Instead, survivors have been left to live with lasting emotional, psychological, and physical scars. 

Given this troubled history and the continued existence of similar programs and practices associated with WWASP, we believe it is inappropriate to honor Robert Lichfield with two gymnasiums in Hurricane, UT. Doing so could be seen as a validation of his legacy and the troubled teen industry, which has caused harm to many vulnerable youth and their families.

We respectfully request that the city of Hurricane, UT, reconsider this initiative and explore alternative ways to recognize individuals who have made positive contributions to the community. We believe it is essential to prioritize the well-being and safety of all residents, especially our youth, and send a message that condemns abusive practices rather than celebrates them.

For your reference, we have included documentation of the history of WWASP:

Broad Overview:

• Wikipedia Entry on WWASP 
• WWASP Survivors - Lived Experience Testimony and History of Organization 
• Unsilenced - WWASP Overview and Lived Experience Testimony 
• Reddit - WWASP Overview and Lived Experience Testimony 

News Articles on WWASP and Robert Lichfield:

• Plea deal allows married owners of Northwest Academy to avoid prison Pahrump Valley Times, 2021
• ‘Every single night I have nightmares of that place’ – Buckhannon woman shares her experience with the ‘troubled teen industry’ WBOY, 2021
• Parents of abused Midwest Academy students pursue founder Des Moines Register, 2017
• Iowa boarding school owner forced student into sex, felony complaint says Des Moines Register, 2017
• Judge dismisses massive lawsuit The Spectrum, 2014
• Students Recall Special Schools Run Like Jails New York Times, 2013
• Utah-based troubled-teen schools subject of lawsuit Deseret News, 2011
• Costa Rica government closes controversial ‘tough love’ youth camp Tico Times, 2011
• Troubled teens abused at Utah-based schools, lawsuit claims Salt Lake Tribune, 2011
• Utah-based group under fire Deseret News, 2005
• Costa Rican authorities raid US-run 'boot camp' The Guardian, 2003
• Utah-based school owner banned Deseret News, 2003
• Troubled Times for ‘Tough Love’ Los Angeles Times, 2003
• Too-tough love? Forbes, 1999
• 'Behavior modification': Salvation for problem teens or brainwashing? South Coast Today, 1999
• Boot Camps for Wayward Youths Offer Hope, Help, Hell Los Angeles Times, 1999
• Czech school accused of torturing pupils The Independent, 1998
• St. George teen hospital to close doors Deseret News, 1998

We urge you to take our concerns seriously and engage in a dialogue with the community to find a more appropriate way to honor individuals who have positively impacted Hurricane, UT.

Sincerely,

Petition Signatories