Deseret News | LDS seminary principal is arrested in sexual abuse

Reader comments
LDS seminary principal is arrested in sexual abuse

496 comments | Read story

Anonymous | 6:30 p.m. July 10, 2009

I've read some comments that say "reserve judgment, these are only accusations". Yeah, they are accusations, but based off the evidence they've already mentioned, the odds of innocence sound weak. Maybe they never had a physical relationship, but if the text messages are as lurid as they are claimed to be, that alone is still sleazy and inappropriate. Not only that, but if Bro. Pratt wasn't having a sexual relationship with this girl, why would he text her about it? Maybe he's innocent, but it doesn't sound like it. It's sad this happened, and if Bro. Pratt is innocent, that won't erase the tragic nature of this, but we shouldn't be expected to all be mute when the accusations and evidence are shocking, especially to those of us who knew Bro. Pratt.

Well | 6:37 p.m. July 10, 2009

maybe the church ought to consider putting cameras in the classrooms and maybe even in the office areas of the seminary teachers, maybe even redesigning the classroom walls would be wise. I've seen classroom walls that are gigantic see through glass. They installed glass windows on the classroom doors in our chapel. Just an idea...

Anonymous | 6:44 p.m. July 10, 2009

what school allows someone to check a child out without a parents written permission?

Comments continue below

Angel | 6:48 p.m. July 10, 2009

There are other seminary teachers, bishops, and such in Utah County that are committing similar crimes, but haven't been caught yet.

Me | 6:51 p.m. July 10, 2009

I have known people that live a double life doing extreme good in an effort to make up for the bad they are doing in secret. I'm not saying this guy has been doing that, but it is possible. It is also possible that he is completely innocent of the charges and only guilty of being too friendly with a student, leading her to think there could be a real relationship between them. Sometimes hurt young girls make things up when they find out their feelings aren't returned. The bottom line is that none of us really knows what happened, so we might as well wait for the truth to come out before we judge. Actually, why don't we refrain from judging altogether? It's none of our business!

Anoymous | 6:52 p.m. July 10, 2009

Time for leaders to lead with inspiration and not to be impressed with smooth talkers.

To More of the same | 2:31 p.m | 6:52 p.m. July 10, 2009

You are kidding right? It's not "just churches in Utah" that have wide ranging trust issues with their youth leaders! Or were you sleeping through news stories from all over the world about the abuses in EVERY religion and nation?

LP Student | 6:57 p.m. July 10, 2009

I just graduated from Lone Peak and had a few lessons by Brother Pratt. He was a very kind man. It has been a very shocking thing to hear seeing that he was always so happy and that he taught with so much Spirit. I have been blessed by his teachings, and I pray that the Atonement will be a great tool to all of us. I ask that you think of what you say before you say it. If this is true, he made a mistake, but who here can say that they are perfect. Please do not chastize unless you can say that you yourself are perfect. I do not think that he is an evil man, but that he has made a mistake like all of us do. Everyone has good in them, so why is it that the bad is always focused on? Yes, if this is true it was a sin, but instead of rip this man apart, let us try to learn from it to better ourselves for this worlds sake. Let us love and care for eachother and forgive as Christ would, and does. Christ loves him, so why wouldn't we?

Reader | 7:04 p.m. July 10, 2009

Reading some of the educational backgrounds of these people, a lot of them are highly educated people and naturally, the kids will look up to them as role models. I tend to agree with one of the posters here. Do not have emotional attachment to the students. If they need a friend, call the parents to do something to remedy that. If they need counselling, even if you have a Masters or Phd in counselling, call the parents to remedy that too. Just my 25 cents.

Mparker | 7:08 p.m. July 10, 2009

I was a student when I knew Brother Pratt (when he first started teaching.) I too, like many of you thought he was a wonderful teacher. He was. He was a good person. Good people can make mistakes and this was a BIG mistake. My heart goes out to his wife and kids. Hang in there~our prayers are with you!

Ryan R. | 7:10 p.m. July 10, 2009

I was heart broken when I heard this, especially since someone very close to me had a similar situation as a victim. I feel pity for both of them, and I hpoe that both may heal back to perfection. I know Brother Pratt has changed lives, for the better. I wish it were only for the better too.
I hope that we learn to accept, forgive and understand. Not get defensive, one-sided and prideful.
I hope you all may heal from this tragedy.
"The church is true, but not always the people."

anonymous | 7:10 p.m. July 10, 2009

To all those calling this man names, yes he made some horrible mistakes, but remember what Jesus Christ said, "He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone"

Seriously People | 7:13 p.m. July 10, 2009

Who are we all to judge. Currently the case is a he said she said. Wait tell they go to court on Monday and they can actually show hard evidence because this far we have seen none but writting in a news paper.

I know Brother Pratt very well and his an AMAZING man. People make mistakes and if this is true I feel very sorry for all involved but it does not take away from how he touched my life and many others around me. He helped so many youth get back on the right path both boys and girls. He touched the hearts of many and you cant take that away from any of us that felt his caring for us. If these things are true then yes he is a very lost person NOW but that does not mean he has always been a bad person.

My thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved. We will all see Monday the really truth.

TigerPride | 7:14 p.m. July 10, 2009

i never had pratt when he taught at orem a couple of years ago, he did all he could to get me into his class and unfortunately it never worked out. he was the guy i could talk to and something he said helped through that time in which i was seriously debating commiting suicide. its nearly impossible for me to believe that happened because he was the best. there is no sense in anyone bashing on him when they dont know him. the sin is even worse for them judging him.

Amen | 7:22 p.m. July 10, 2009

Higley reminds parents to "keep an open relationship with your children, love them, support them, make sure you know who they are with."

Sad. | 7:29 p.m. July 10, 2009

This makes me so sad! He was a great teacher, it was the only time i ever felt like someone actually believed what they taught! He helped me through a hard time with my family and was an inspiration. It makes me sad that this is what he chose, but i still love and support him through a difficult time. As for the girl, One encounter could be seen as a victim, multiple over a couple of months? not so much. 16 year olds know what they are doing. She wasn't 4, she made her own choices. just like he did. seriously people, she isn't a victim.

Stunned | 7:32 p.m. July 10, 2009

My family is devastated! We know the Pratts personally and have loved their friendship. We always had the highest reguard for Mike. He had a way of making you feel special. His wife is one of the finest persons that I know and my heart goes out to her and her kids. Bro. Pratt has been a seminary teacher for several of my children. They always hoped they would be assigned to his class, because he taught with the spirit. This hits so close to home, My daughter is in tears because she is so disappointed. For the Pratt's sake, for my childrens sake and all of the students who looked up to Bro. Pratt, I hope this story isn't founded in truth. And if it is true, I hope that healing will quick.

Lone Peak Student | 7:44 p.m. July 10, 2009

Pratty Was more than a father to me. I looked up to him so much. He made me want to be a better person and change my life for the better. I think we should all have the attitude of christ in this situation and in all situations. We're not perfect, the atonement is real and does affect everyone. Christ doesn't pick and choose who he loves. He loves us all. And while he will forgive whom he will forgive, we're required to forgive all men. What he did was sick, disgusting, and horribly wrong. But to be cliche, what would jesus do?

Compassion | 7:46 p.m. July 10, 2009

This is a tragedy. I don't understand how this could've been going on for 2 months. The human condition is a difficult existence at times. We must be aware of our thoughts AT ALL TIMES. No one is immune to the dark side of power. Those who say there are live in self-denial. I hope this man finds a way to reconcile his behavior and accept his fate.

I hope the girl's suffering will be alleviated by caring and loving family.

May this incident open our eyes to human suffering.

Re: rotten hypocrisy | 7:53 p.m. July 10, 2009

Please do not judge the LDS Church by the mistakes of the few. How would you feel if I said that your church is a rotten church because of the mistakes of the few?

My heart goes out to all who are affected by this incident.

Steve | 7:58 p.m. July 10, 2009

Regardless of whether or not this is true, I know I owe this man a great deal. A large part of who I am is because of this man. Even if the worst is true, Brother Pratt will always have a special place in my heart and in my home.

Ridiculous | 8:08 p.m. July 10, 2009

that so many people take this as an opportunity to slander any faith!!!! what ever happened to "In as much as ye have done it unto the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me! So you hypocrites that lie in wait to slander, defame, and criticize. Aren't you doing these things to the lord as well? "love one another, even as I have loved you" wow sad sad world we live in... we should be expressing our love and sorrow for the aggressors family as well as the victims family instead of using this as a change to slander one another!

To rotten hypocrisy | 8:31 p.m. July 10, 2009

Your statement makes no sense.

Jeff Stewart | 8:35 p.m. July 10, 2009

I attended Viewmont High School where Michael Pratt previously taught. Every single student I know with whom he came in contact adored him. If he has always been a disgusting man like many of the "holier-than-thou" who are writing here claim, I promise many of my female friends and family members (who spent a lot of time with him) would have noticed. They didn't. This man has not been deceiving people for years, he allowed the lust that every single male on earth experiences daily overcome rational thought and logic. This could happen to any man and I assume women as well. While this does not excuse his actions or the pain he has caused the young woman and many others; it is definitely something we should consider before we condemn him as a monster. Those who do choose to condemn him, remember your hypocrisy the next time you fail your logic and morals. To those who will use this to attack the Mormon faith, I say to you, channel your anger and passion towards saving the environment or solving world hunger. It would be much better spent.

Fergie | 8:36 p.m. July 10, 2009

If this person were a politician, almost everyone who is commenting here would be calling for his head. (I read these blogs, and there are so many mean-spirited people that write.) I think it is a good idea to give the benefit of a doubt to everyone, not just LDS Seminary teachers and principals, after all, are we Christian, or aren't we?

Jordan | 8:41 p.m. July 10, 2009

Brother Pratt was a great teacher when I had him. I slept through seminary for 3 years until I got into his class my senior year at Viewmont. He changed my experience and my life. As you can see by many of the comments who know him, he did the same for many others. He may be guilty, and if so I'm shocked. I'll always remember him and always be grateful to him for the way he helped me. This is crazy and makes me sad for for him regardless if he's guilty or innocent.

and to "I smell some RATS on here," and others like him making stupid comments. Good try on trying to create controversy and make a lot of people angry. If he's guilty then he's guilty, but it doesn't erase the fact that he did a whole lot of good for high school kids, and was a great influence to many.

Anonymous | 9:06 p.m. July 10, 2009

I had Bro. Pratt his first year teaching. I cannot tell you what a difference he made in my life and in helping me to build my testimony. The allegations don't lessen the impact he has had in my life and they shouldn't lessen the impact he has had on others lives. Lazarus was raised from the dead, but he later died. That doesn't mean that his raising from the dead was any less of a miracle. I am grateful for Brother Pratt's influence in my life. Innocent until proven guilty.

Be Careful about letting him | 9:16 p.m. July 10, 2009

off the hook for this, because he did good things at other times. We are punished for our crimes and the things we do wrong and when it comes to violence or this sort of crime it should not be mitigated by the 'good' he's done. He knew what he was doing, he had a long time to think about it, and to match his actions to the girls for maximum success. Throw the book at the guy. I am LDS, and I am a strong supporter of the seminary program. I just think he needs to take his punishment.

Anonymous | 10:14 p.m. July 10, 2009

I want to know who said Mike did all of this? There are no facts or proof to condemn him. Mike is my hero and I dont believe this at all. I feel so bad for his family and what all this must be doing to them. Please save your words for someone that is guilty.

Re: Fergie | 10:16 p.m. July 10, 2009

AGREED !

S.K. | 10:39 p.m. July 10, 2009

Your right borhter pratt is a good man but its still a crime that hurt more than just the girl and his family. Im personally a student attending lone peak high school seminary and i've had him as a teacher hes inspirational so this is hard to believe, i just cant believe he would do something like this. but they wouldnt just accuse him for no reason so something obviously went on...which is dissapointing in its self...our love goes out to brother pratts family

Sadly, Not Surprised | 10:48 p.m. July 10, 2009

Very intelligent, chrismatic, and socialy gifted people easily eliciting the trust and confidence of others. Some are so chrismatic that people thrust trust and loyalty upon them. Unfettered access to others feelings, fears, thoughts, and emotions comes with an an equally fearsome responsibilty not to abuse it.

Young or trusting people often invest in these relationships with no fear of exploitation. This fellow was clearly chrismatic, as many here on this blog attest.

I have learned through experience, that the most chrismatic and congenial people are typically abusive of that trust to some degree or other, and very good at concealing the abuse. They are good at what they do. It happens too often, and sadly, the abused don't even see it coming.

I hope that others take note of the story above. Give it time and follow it! The extreme contradiction in behavior only reinforces its truth.

Anonymous | 10:48 p.m. July 10, 2009

> Every single student I know with whom he came in contact adored him.

I had him at Viewmont, and I thought he was a good teacher and taught very well... but I wouldn't say I adored him. Come on people, this is just a man, not a God. You talk about him like he's been the single light in your life. He has ups and downs and problems just like everyone else. Just chill out.

PayPay | 11:25 p.m. July 10, 2009

He was my seminary president this last year. He is a good mad, regardless of what he did, he helped to many studends. Everyone makes mistakes. I pray for the Pratt family and the Girls family....I hope in time he is honestly forgiven

True To The Faith | 11:29 p.m. July 10, 2009

Mike prayers are with you and your family. I don't believe and of these accusations. He was my seminary teacher, councilor in bishopric, and a home teacher. He has changed my life and i am shocked to hear all of this. He is an amazing man. The true judgement seat is in heaven with the lord. Everyone is born good, but make stupid mistakes. Some worse than others. Casting judgment is the worst. "Let he without sin cast the first stone"

experienced teacher | 11:36 p.m. July 10, 2009

First, when someone says "No one is immune from the adversary. Satan works 24/7, and is not selective about who he corrupts, and destroys!!" There is no way to take than other than this person is blaming the devil for a persons actions. So, it's not about understanding the culture it's about knowing how to read.

Secondly, any teacher who walks a line where they could be accused of this behavior, whether true or not, is inappropriate. Public school teachers are told to NEVER be alone with a student whether of the same gender or not. Students visiting with seminary teachers one-on-one should NEVER be acceptable. That's what parents are for. So, yes, I believe innocent until proven guilty, but by the same token behavior could have been changed LONG before such accusations came about. That alone is a sign of guilt.

And finally, if I donated a million dollars to charity, read with the blind every week, volunteered at the soup kitchen and attended church regularly would that excuse me from exploiting my position? Just because this person was a good influence at some time does not excuse his current behavior.

A reminder . . . | 11:38 p.m. July 10, 2009

Independent of the outcome of this investigation, these serious allegations and the unfortunate circumstances surrounding them remind me: to one degree or another, and in varying types of circumstances, we ALL wrestle with our own darker side, with our own less-restrained selfish willfulness, with our own impulsive thoughtlessness, with our own unprincipled actions, with our own inhumanity to other humans around us. Despite the presence of atrocious actions (like those being alleged against Michael Pratt), I treasure a country which lauds both “liberty and justice for all,” I profess a religion which looks to a Lord who is “full of” both “grace and truth” (John 1:14) and I’m honored to be a part of a society which strives to temporarily withhold subjective judgments (when allowing civil authorities to have due process) while still showing outrage at possible injustices. May this incident act as a reminder to seek to have more light, more restraint, more thoughtfulness, more principle, more humanity. In this case, I applaud those seeking for both appropriate justice and I also applaud those seeking for sufficient mercy. In this "one nation, under God," may truth prevail and mercy never fail!

Never will know | 11:42 p.m. July 10, 2009

Keep one thing in mind as we all cast our ill informed opinions in here - because this involves a minor there's a good chance we, the public, will never really know all the details from the Deseret News or elsewhere. One thing we'll eventually know - whether the legal system finds him guilty of none, some, or all of these offenses. Until then, this is like water on a grease fire amongst the active members of the LDS Church and LDS Church haters alike. I'd like to say ignore all the follow up stories until the police and legal reps release official information to the press, but I know that won't happen. So, in the meantime, remember we really don't know anything and all our idle comments really are worthless.

CougarKeith | 11:44 p.m. July 10, 2009

We are all inocent until proven GUILTY in this country. We cannot judge the man, it is up to the jury, and the judge! Let the SYSTEM WORK! I am sadened by so many who are so quick to judge. As if your lives are so perfect?

Stefanie P. | 11:52 p.m. July 10, 2009

I had Brother Pratt at Viewmont High School my sophomore year... I was really stunned to see the news. He had a big influence on my life.. This is really heart breaking... He really was a great man and influenced many people.. Out of the 3 years I went to seminary, he was by far the best teacher!

Judge not? | 11:58 p.m. July 10, 2009

If he really did what the evidence seems to show, I don't think he should be let off so easily. I had a lot of fabulous seminary teachers who I admire a lot. However, if I found out that any of them committed such acts, I would no longer call them "AMAZING", regardless of whatever great things they had done. Didn't Jesus also say those who abused children should have millstones hung around their necks and drowned? You can't excuse such disgusting behavior just because the person did good things. It's not just an innocent mistake-- sorry. "Judge not" does not mean letting everyone off the hook.

My heart goes out to his poor family, the girl involved and his former students who must feel somewhat deceived and betrayed. That said, I hope for healing and change, which is very possible. I certainly won't pass final judgments- not my place.

Henry B. | 12:11 a.m. July 11, 2009

This man was my teacher in high school. He is my friend, he was like a father to me as I never really had one. When I graduated I would visit him and his family, and he was a very humble man who loved his family and would do anything for them. He is the reason why I want to be a teacher. He changed my life, he helped me once when I was going to take my own life. No matter what has happened, whether he did it or not I will still call him my friend, and I will always love him because he was there for me when I needed a friend. I know his wife who is a very soft spoken woman who loves him. He has three beautiful children whom I adore, and I know he loves them to death. I feel bad for them as they have to deal with this tragedy. He wanted to help everyone with their problems. I love this man, and I will always stand on his side, no matter what happens, I will always be his friend.

Paul H. Dunn | 12:18 a.m. July 11, 2009

For all you commenting on how great a person this guy is, you need to remember he has caused more damage to the Church and Gospel than he can ever make up for. And the paradox is that it was because he apparently has such a great personality.

It reminds me of Paul Dunn. He was by far the most magnetic G.A. of his time. He gave great talks and sold tons of books and tapes. Problem was he lied about many of his "true" stories - always putting himself in the heroic role. When finally caught, he claimed he was teaching in parables as the Savior did. I was and still amd deeply diesppointed in him, and maintain he did more damage than good.

Stop defending this guy and start praying for his family.

My Own Little Say | 12:40 a.m. July 11, 2009

"Let he who is without sin cast the first stone."
Who are we to judge of this situation? To those of you who never knew this man, how can you label who he really is? If you NEVER KNEW HIM! He has changed many lives through his service. And has done many good works.
NOBODY can judge ANYONE. NOBODY knows the WHOLE story. Who are we to judge another? Seriously. If you haven't committed sin, go ahead. You can be the judge. But as mortals, we have all sinned. END. OF. STORY.
I personally don't believe this is all true. I believe lies were involved in this. I believe Satan had a huge influence in this. A bad one, for sure. We of the Latter-Day Saint Church MUST remember that the adversary has more power than we realize. To keep the armor of God tighter than ever. We should also be grateful for the blessed Atonement we have been given.
My heart and prayers go out to the families, victim, and Brother Pratt. May we all remember our many blessings. And continue to remember our Father in Heaven, and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Steve | 12:42 a.m. July 11, 2009

Terrible for EVERY person involved.

JConn | 12:47 a.m. July 11, 2009

I Hope and Pray this is not true. Even though Christ warned us of this. A man in this position Should NOT even text his students. What he did was wrong and should pay the consequences! This whole thing makes me sick. My friend said this man helped him on a mission. Yes he's probably touched many of your lives for the good... As his profession should do.. But is not exempt from the law. This man's family will be in many prayers across the country. HEY Brother Pratt, Just like my Gram Pappy used to say.. THINK BEFORE YOU ACT! Let this be a lesson. The Lord will find redemption some way or another..

P.S. His Church is perfect, His people aren't....

Anonymous | 12:47 a.m. July 11, 2009

I don't know if I can believe this stuff, this man was my first seminary teacher years ago in highschool he is an amazing person, if he did stoop to this level he will have to answer for his choices, I really hope that it didn't go as far as they say it did..... I really hope so..

enter name | 12:57 a.m. July 11, 2009

what kind of idiot school lets some random guy check a kid out of school?
-

beaver | 12:59 a.m. July 11, 2009

Lots of times people get accused for things they did not do. And i am hoping that this is another case. I stand by him. I don't judge him, its not our place to judge. We have hired people to do that for us. aka Judges.

Anonymous | 1:00 a.m. July 11, 2009

As a current LDS Religious Educator I am sick and sickened by what has been reported today. This is a black eye to a noble and wonderful profession. No one is immune from any form or strain of evil. That said, we have been taught for decades of how we should and especially should not interact with our students. Not one full time instructor in the Seminaries and Institutes has an excuse where conduct such as this is concerned. WE KNOW BETTER! We know we're NEVER to communicate with students by cell phone whether talking or texting. We know we're NEVER to facebook with students, or any social networking. We know we're NEVER to counsel students personally. We are to encourage them to go to bishop's, parent's, counselor's, etc. We know we are NEVER to develop overly friendly relatonships with students. We're NEVER EVER to be alone, one on one, with a student inside or outside of our buildings. (Every office and classroom has windows to see through) I could go on and on concerning our protocal. Without question Bro. Pratt broke everyone of these, even if he's innocent of lewd behavior.

Add your comment

Comments are monitored. Any comments found to be abusive, offensive, off-topic, misrepresentative, more than 200 words or containing URLs will not be posted.

Words Remaining

E-mail address: For internal use only. We may want to contact you to publish your comment (not your e-mail address) in the newspaper or for a separate story idea.