The University of Utah dismissed an inquiry into social media posts by students Rylie Barnes and Riley Beesley on Sept. 17, 2026, after the Dean of Students found insufficient evidence of misconduct. The investigation followed anonymous complaints alleging the posts amounted to doxxing or electronic harassment.
Dismissed Accountability Inquiries
The University of Utah confirmed Tuesday that neither Barnes nor Beesley will face expulsion following the conclusion of the accountability inquiry. The university stated the investigation was prompted by anonymous complaints received during the week of Sept. 15, 2026, which alleged the students' social media activity constituted electronic harassment or doxxing.
Investigation Details
The university's decision to dismiss the case came after receiving clarification from a representative for Riley Beesley on Sept. 17, 2026. While the Dean of Students is required to investigate allegations of threatening or harassing behavior, the office concluded there was not enough evidence to move forward with formal proceedings.
Legal and Policy Framework
The university noted that while it is not legally required to address doxxing or electronic harassment, it follows Utah state law and university policies regarding student rights and responsibilities. Under Utah law, communication is prohibited if it uses electronic means to insult, taunt, or challenge a recipient in a manner likely to provoke a violent or disorderly response.
Student Conduct Standards
The university's policy on student rights and responsibilities prohibits threatening, endangering, or damaging the health or safety of any member of the university community. This includes acts committed in person or electronically through email, text message, or social media.
University Accountability Volume
The Office of the Dean of Students manages a high volume of accountability cases. In the 2025-2026 academic year, the office managed more than 5,000 cases of support and accountability. The university's total accountability cases over the last three years included 2,920 cases in 2024-25 and 3,170 cases in 2025-26.
Future Procedural Reviews
Moving forward, the dean's office plans to conduct a routine review of procedures and staff training. The goal of the review is to ensure staff maintains a clear understanding of the boundaries between freedom of speech and actionable misconduct, as well as the specific processes for conducting investigations.
