In a recent and deeply unsettling discovery, a vanity license plate reading “DEPORTM” has ignited public outrage across Utah and beyond. The image of the plate first surfaced on Twitter, where it quickly drew the attention of educators,
lawmakers, and concerned citizens, raising critical questions about oversight, accountability, and the boundaries of free speech in state-issued identification.
The controversy began when Matt Pacenza, a high school English teacher in Utah known for his advocacy and civic engagement, came across the offensive plate on a vehicle and felt compelled to act.
He snapped a photo and took to social media, tagging the Utah Driver License Division and writing, “Hey, how does this plate I just saw not violate your guidelines?”
