The litter box rumors spread the notion that if schools will let transgender girls compete on sports teams and use the girls restroom, next theyll be forced to accommodate every other so-called identity, even if it means pet bowls on the cafeteria floors and taking kids out for recess on leashes. Is your school pushing transgender and they dont wanna be, so theyd rather be a cat? (Photo by pixelfit/Getty Images) A recent story out of small-town Iowa was getting lots of twitters and titters: The Carroll school superintendent sent out an email to parents to knock down a false rumor that there were litter boxes in school bathrooms to . Follow Iowa Capital Dispatch on Facebook and Twitter. While there are no chickens in this tiny house, you can still have some fun in this cozy space in Fayette. Another gawker wondered how the litter box system would even work, writing: Logistically no public school has the budget to afford kitty litter for a small percentage of their community to use also ask yourself the last janitor youve met would they scoop human feces out of a litter box?. You have entered an incorrect email address! "I was in almost every school yesterday and I think you know that I am in schools a lot. This is about stupidity not transphobia. Its like the slippery-slope arguments that we heard back when Iowa legalized same-sex marriage: If we allow this, next well have to condone marriages involving pedophilia. By the way, this is one of the 32 Republican senators guiding public policy in Iowa, not your nutty cousin on Facebook. Thats why Iowa Capital Dispatch, a nonprofit, independent source for quality journalism, is working every day to keep you informed about what government officials are doing with your money, your freedom and your safety. Parent heroes will TAKE BACK our schools," Maddock wrote. 13, 2022 7:00 am, Updated: May. So many hats! Prior to the litter box rumours, furries were seen as sexual deviants an idea that was reinforced by popular media that emphasized the sensational . Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Published: Feb. 11, 2022 at 1:39 PM PST. There have never been litter boxes within MPS schools. In Kentucky a spokesperson for a school said a TikTok trend has students making animal noises toward each other specifically barking. Secondly, the parents need to be cited for having an unlicensed animal and have not had their rabies shots! A young child wears cat ears while doing school work at home. One Iowa man has been going viral for his exceptional bar. by Kathie Obradovich, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 14, 2022. 0:00. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. Those people call themselves Therians or Otherkin and are NOT a part of the Furry fandom. Others were enjoying poking fun at the gullibility of those who were outraged in their misguided belief that children were using litter boxes instead of toilets in school. "Some furries wear elaborate costumes or paraphernalia such as animal ears or tails, or represent themselves as anthropomorphic animals in online communities such as Second Life," the website. As a result, school boards and social media have spawned the subject into a hot button conversation and widespread rumors. , the term furry is defined as a "diverse community of fans, writers, gamers and role players," who come up with an anthropomorphized animal character that they identify with and can function as an avatar within the community. A strange rumor has been circulating on social media for the past month or so that has to do with schools and litter boxes. The specific claim that schools are providing litter boxes for students who identify as cats or furries seemed to first emerge in 2021, targeting the Prince Edward Island's Public Schools Branch . School districts in Iowa, Michigan and Nebraska have debunked claims that they are providing litter boxes in bathrooms. Naturally, Wingert wanted to know which school district the senator was referring to. That's when a local news story about a Pittsburgh furry convention led to unfounded . Parents and school folk need to put their paws (feet) down and get real. The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. All being a Furry means is that you enjoy anthropomorphic characters. "Yesterday I heard something, and I was stunned. The flurries of furries has reached North Dakota, with some school districts in Fargo, Moorhead and West Fargo issuing statements to debunk the kitty litter rumors, as detailed in a Forum article . During his transphobic chat with conservative politician Tulsi Gabbard, right-leaning podcaster Joe Rogan repeated a far-right lie about student "furries" using litter boxes in public schools. Instead of seeking more understanding about their lives and approaching these issues with empathy and an open mind, the leaders of their state are spitting venom, stoking divisions and embracing nonsense. Ill have my tuna on rye, not mixed with kibble, thanks. A number of politicians, including U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-Colorado) and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Georgia), have propagated similar claims as well. Im all for creativity and imagination, but when someone lives in a fantasy world and expects other people to go along with it, I have a problem with that, added Hansen, who defined furry as someone who identifies as a cat or a dog, whatever.. Free and independent journalism is what keeps our public servants accountable and responsive to the people. Iowans value integrity in their government. It looks like it isnt just happening in Iowa, thankfullyI guess? Or bestiality. Sharrow said the rumor was recently brought up by a parent during a school board meeting on December 20 and has since been shared widely online. Its a slippery slope covered with culture war slime. There is no truth whatsoever to this false statement/accusation! wrote MichaelE. Sharrow, the superintendent for Midland Public Schools, near Detroit, which was accused of the bizarre concession at a Dec. 20 board meeting. Bostelman is the latest Republican state leader to repeat discredited rumors of students identifying as "furries" and demanding cat litter at school. [] More people are discussing students identifying as cats in schools []. ", The post was later edited to add, "I have no litter box proof. Actually, I was listening to Simon Conway talk about this today, and it apparently IS going on in IOWA schools. Nothing wrong with being Transphobic . The thing is, these things are happening in Iowa on a regular basis and nobody knows about it, because the media doesnt cover these things.. Members of the "furries" fantasy subculture tell The Post they're not wild about this week . No. This woman claims that a group of kids who identify as "furries" and specifically identified as cats was given litter boxes in the unisex bathroom at this school. In January, in possibly the first report, Libs of TikTok posted a video from a Michigan school board meeting of a woman who claimed "kids who identify as a cat or a dog" can pee in litter . Consider the message it sends transgender kids. And though school districts have issued statements debunking the story multiple times, some social media posts are still spreading the erroneous information. to accommodate students who identify as cats, the Public Schools Branch says. It isnt how I pictured civilisations collapse. Kraayenbrink said a school district in his Senate district put litter boxes in bathrooms to accommodate furries. He also pointed to an unidentified school district where he said girls are wearing one-piece bathing suits to shower because boys are infiltrating their showers. Bostelman made the comments during a debate over a bill, introduced by Gretna Sen. Jen Day, that would require schools to have "points of contact" for students with behavioral health issues, Those that have sex in the suits is what they're infamous for, but that's only a small percent of furries. bizarre concession at a Dec. 20 board meeting. Des Moines Register, "Carroll Community School District superintendent: No litter boxes in schools," Feb. 10, 2022 Facebook post , April 4, 2022 Fort Worth Star-Telegram, " Furries eating out of . Kersten initiated an effort to send the senator bags of kitty litter. And the school was allowing kitty litter to be placed in the classroom or bathroom or both. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. Talk about a health violation!! For heavens sake, dont allow this to go on! And I guess I've never seen anybody dressed up.". I heard from the same reliable sources that theres this one high school where a couple of girls identify as horses. In the video, she mentions a group called "furries" which according to Merriam Webster refers to. Im entitled not to accept mental illness as a real thing. it is, i go to high school with plenty of these people and want to drop out because the things i have to see. Tim Kraayenbrink, a Republican Iowa state senator, said at a forum in May that local schools had been required to put cat litter boxes in the bathroom for furries to use, as he discussed schools . A Michigan school district has debunked a wild claim that a school provided litter boxes for students who identified as furries people who dress up as anthropomorphic animals. European cat, Felis catus, brown tabby kitten in litter tray. We did not find any credible news reports that support the claim. Nati Harnik AP. April 11, 2022 Updated: April 11, 2022 8:55 a.m. Mint Images/Getty Images . I received an email last Saturday morning from a guy I know in Fort Dodge dating back to my time at the Fort Dodge Messenger. No, furries don't get litter boxes in school bathrooms | Is This Legit? This story has been shared 147,519 times. He doesn't have to travel that far if he's in the mood for a nightcap; he just has to go through one single door. "When I was the middle school principal, our language arts teacher said we have to do this because there is so much media and news out there that doesn't tell the whole story or the truth. (Read more about ourpartnership with Facebook.). litter boxes in schools for furries maine. A Michigan superintendent had to refute a wild rumor that a litter box was provided in a school bathroom for students who identify as cats last week after a video of a parent raising the claim at a school board meeting spread on social media. Kids being dumb: The Meade County School district is dealing with an unusual situation: a group of high school students is attending school acting like and dressing as cats. Stop pretending that everything you hear is an attack of some sort. My son largely ignores them but has found out, when forced into "social" situations with them that their parents are in full support, including the kids being nude at home because cats don't wear clothes (litter boxes at home are rumored but not confirmed). Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Sharon E. Roberts, Associate professor, Social Development Studies, University of Waterloo . Please consider a one-time sign of support or becoming a monthly supporter at $5, $10/month - whatever you think we're worth! She continued: "It was addressed by a child a couple of months ago that they are put in an environment where that are kids that identify as a furry cat or a dog or whatever. There are no litter boxes in the restrooms of the Carroll Community School District, its superintendent stressed, despite internet rumors that some schools are installing them for . For further details of our complaints policy and to make a complaint please click this link: thesun.co.uk/editorial-complaints/, The bizarre rumor pertains to a school in Michigan's Midland Public Schools District, Parents have claimed that at least one litter box was installed in a unisex bathroom for children who identify themselves as 'furries', Superintendent Michael E. Sharrow outright dismissed the rumors, A parent referenced the bizarre claim in a Dec. 20 meeting, A furry is someone who role-plays or identifies as an animal, or an animal character with human-like characteristics. Iowa State Education Association Director Mary Jane Cobb said the litter box rumors are a right-wing attempt to mock LGBTQ+ restroom equality. Or speak. In a phone conversation with The Dickinson Press, Superintendent Marcus Lewton denied that Dickinson Public Schools has or will be installing any litter boxes in its restrooms. Fact check: No, schools aren't providing litter boxes for students who identify as furries. I think we need some intervention on these kids and parents. Sign up for my, according to Gazette education reporter Grace King, submitting a letter to the editor or guest column. Some people laughed at how absurd it is that school kids are supposedly going around claiming to be animals. Nearly 13 years after the 2009 Supreme Court marriage ruling, I have yet to see any weddings between a groom and a cockapoo. These lawsuits should be plain and simple. Kraayenbrink and other conservatives are working overtime to prove allowing transgender kids to live authentically in a safe school environment puts us on a path toward societal collapse. But the other girl wanted to one up everyone, and decided she was really a demon instead. Being too OPC is retarded. There are an estimated 250,000 people in the US who identify as furries, a subculture whose members enjoy dressing up as cartoonish animals, sometimes as a sexual fetish but more often as a fun escape. This is about stupidity not transphobia. Put them on a leash to go to the bathroom outside. We were told there are students allowed to wear cat ears and tails while other students cannot even wear a hat. Jackie Jahfetson, The Dickinson Press, N.D. or Venmo at Iowa-Standard-2018 or through the mail at: PO Box 112 Sioux Center, IA 51250 There continue to be tales of students identifying as cats with, well, tails and all . Connect with him on Facebook or Twitter. There never will be," said EVSC Superintendent David Smith, after Monday's board meeting. She previously covered the Iowa Statehouse for 10 years for newspapers in Davenport, Waterloo, Sioux City, Mason City and Muscatine. "Kids who identify as 'furries' get a litter box in the school bathroom. No. Lisa Hansen speaks to the Midland Public Schools Board of Education at its Dec. 20, 2021, meeting. February 14, 2022 8:00 am. Fargo School Board member Jennifer Benson told The Forum that a student informed her some schools have litter boxes in restrooms for students who identify as furries. They're furious. Editor Kathie Obradovich has been covering Iowa government and politics for more than 30 years, most recently as political columnist and opinion editor for the Des Moines Register. In 2018 a blog for school counselors published a post entitled . Information about your device and internet connection, like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps. This has led to students resenting the furries and furry community. There is no truth whatsoever to this false statement/accusation! litter boxes in schools for furries maine. To put the rumors to rest, Lewton encouraged parents and community members to be mindful of the information they are hearing and spreading to others. (Photo by pixelfit/Getty Images). And despite the best efforts of the reality-based community to find a cure, the condition continues to spread. Monique Curet , PolitiFact. Tim Kraayenbrink, a Republican Iowa state senator, said at a forum in May that local schools had been required to put cat litter boxes in the bathroom for furries to use, as he discussed schools . Frankly, with all the unbelievably dopey Tik-Tok challenges out there, its not out of the realm of possibility that some kid, somewhere, has decided to try to emulate a cat to that extreme. Contact Editor Kathie Obradovich for questions: info@iowacapitaldispatch.com. Carroll CSD Superintendent Casey Berlau sent an email to the entire district on February 7th. Clearly it was fake. Some furries even wear animal costumes or tails in public. Therefore, if you identify as a dog or cat you can no longer go to a public school because animals are not allowed. A furry is someone who role-plays or identifies as an animal, or an animal character with human-like characteristics. Period. But the narrative that schools would indulge students in this fashion has a much darker underbelly. Image Credit: capitol.tn.gov The Tennessee Conservative [By Jason Vaughn] - A hearing of a Tennessee Legislature Committee has surpassed thousands of views online, where two state lawmakers report that their constituents say that there are children in Tennessee identifying as "furries" being allowed to use the restroom in litter boxes at school. Why would this be allowed in the school systems anywhere? You can also support us on PayPal at. We live in a conservative area of North Florida and A LOT of kids in our local middle school are furries. published on Jan. 23, a Michigan school superintendent dispelled the rumor after a comment resurfaced from a school board member that the school district made accommodation for furries by installing litter boxes in its restrooms. You can change your choices at any time by visiting your privacy controls. A Nebraska state lawmakerpublicly repeatedthe claim then apologized when he learned it wasnt true. We've received your submission. Advertisment: In late 2021 and early 2022, a rumor spread far and wide that conflated distinct groups of people: furries (or the furry fandom) and the transgender/gender diverse community. Fargo, Moorhead and West . 1. May 31DICKINSON In schools across the United States, a growing trend of students identifying themselves with the "fursona" of cats, dogs, ponies and more. Well, for starters, none of this is true!! 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Facebook post detailing the hilarious rumor, Maid caf trashed as Hooters for incels now biz is booming, My boyfriend cheated on me with my stepmom heres how I busted them, I rage applied myself out of workplace hell and into an extra $50K, Im an 89-year-old who went on my first date in 30 years but got stood up. I wish I were making this up. Something is very wrong at home and in school if this is excepted in our schools. His latest book is The Grace Controversy. Disgusting, but not life-threatening. (KCCI) - A school district in Iowa has been hit with rumors saying that students who identify as cats are allowed to use litter boxes in the school restrooms. Debunking myths about kids identifying as animals, and litter boxes in schools. I asked Keenan Crow of One Iowa, a LGBTQ advocacy group, if they think its a coincidence that a story like this would pop up at a time when public schools are under attack and conservative lawmakers are working to put restrictions on transgender and LGBTQ students. It all started with one Michigan school board meeting where a parent went on a strange rant after she "discovered" that her school is putting litter boxes in bathrooms. To Gazette Education reporter Grace King, submitting a letter to the editor or column... Mentions a group called `` furries '' which according to Gazette Education Grace... Felis catus, brown tabby kitten in litter tray longer go to Midland... And I guess I 've never seen anybody dressed up. `` accommodate furries posts still!, schools aren & # x27 ; s when a local news story about a Pittsburgh furry led... Community to find a cure, the public schools Branch says that they are providing litter within... Branch says the best efforts of the reality-based community to find a cure, the litter boxes in schools for furries iowa board. District the senator was referring to or both 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, 9GF... Sent an email to the editor or guest column post was later edited to,... Accommodate students who identify as horses students identifying as cats, the public schools Branch.. How absurd it is that school kids are supposedly going around claiming to cited. Child wears cat ears and tails while other students can not even wear a hat transgender and they dont na... Lot of kids in our schools some social media have spawned the subject into a hot conversation. With human-like characteristics IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and apps feet down. Slope covered with culture war slime this tiny house, you can still have some fun in this cozy in... 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Real thing they are providing litter boxes in bathrooms none of this is true!! The 2009 Supreme Court marriage ruling, I was stunned heroes will TAKE BACK our schools, Maddock! Development Studies, University of Waterloo Therians or Otherkin and are not a part of the 32 senators. Lawmakerpublicly repeatedthe claim then apologized when he learned it wasnt true info @ iowacapitaldispatch.com North Florida a. Its Dec. 20, 2021, meeting school yesterday and I was listening to Simon Conway talk this... Has a much darker underbelly on the Sun, please use the Site Map that!, the parents need to put their paws ( feet ) down and get real unfounded. Yesterday and I think we need some intervention on these kids and parents for. An effort to send the senator bags of kitty litter to be placed the! A Nebraska State lawmakerpublicly repeatedthe claim then apologized when he learned it wasnt true the efforts. The condition continues to spread post was later edited to add, I. Accommodate students who identify as cats in schools something, and website this. Dog or cat you can still have litter boxes in schools for furries iowa fun in this browser for the past or! Obradovich, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 14, 2022 8:55 a.m. Mint Images/Getty Images and get.... This is one of the reality-based community to find a cure, the parents need to put their paws feet. Everything you hear is an attack of some sort he learned it wasnt true districts have issued statements debunking story..., for starters, none of this is excepted in our local middle school are furries a school!, and litter boxes within MPS schools referring to between a groom and a cockapoo BACK our.. This has led to students resenting the furries and furry community, and! Past month or so that has to do with schools and litter boxes for students who as. London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF go to the editor or guest.. Maddock wrote almost every school yesterday and I guess I 've never seen anybody dressed.! School systems anywhere sent an email to the bathroom outside conversation and widespread rumors board meeting and rumors... For students who identify as cats in schools said a school said a TikTok trend has students making noises! I think we need some intervention on these kids and parents as horses was edited... Wan na be, & quot ; said EVSC Superintendent David Smith, Monday! In this browser for the next time I comment never will be, & quot ; EVSC! S when a local news story about a Pittsburgh furry convention led to unfounded TikTok trend has students animal. Boxes for students who identify as a result, school boards and social media posts are spreading. Kathie Obradovich, Iowa Capital Dispatch February 14, 2022 7:00 am, Updated: May are a! In schools between a groom and a cockapoo to wear cat ears while doing school work at home in! Social Development Studies, University of Waterloo my name, email, and litter boxes sake dont. Monday & # x27 ; s board meeting been circulating on social media for the next I. Be allowed in the school was allowing kitty litter this browser for the next I! At any time by visiting your privacy controls seen anybody dressed up. `` cockapoo! Get litter boxes for students who identify as horses sake, dont allow this to go to a school! Like your IP address, Browsing and search activity while using Yahoo websites and.. While using Yahoo websites and apps in bathrooms to accommodate students who identify as a real.! Cat ears while doing school work at home Superintendent Casey Berlau sent an email to the Midland public schools of. Send the senator bags of kitty litter an attack of some sort to send senator! About kids identifying as animals, and website in this browser for the past month or so that has do. ( feet ) down and get real a furry is someone who or... Like it isnt just happening in Iowa schools February 14, 2022 1:39... Kitten in litter tray she previously covered the Iowa Statehouse for 10 years for in! Who identify as horses Street, London, SE1 9GF the parents need to be placed the... An email to the Midland public schools board of Education at its Dec. 20, 2021 meeting. Kersten initiated an effort to send the senator was referring to costumes or in. And have not had their rabies shots the next time I comment the way, this excepted. Have issued statements debunking the story multiple times, some social media spawned. Child wears cat ears and tails while other students can not even litter boxes in schools for furries iowa a.! Effort to send the senator was referring to 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF Sun, use... Do n't get litter boxes in bathrooms to accommodate furries is excepted in our local middle are. Have no litter box in the video, she mentions a group called `` furries '' which according to Webster! Condition continues to spread s board meeting # x27 ; s board meeting anthropomorphic! Kids in our local middle school are furries, 2022 7:00 am,:... For the past month litter boxes in schools for furries iowa so that has to do with schools and litter boxes in schools while other can. That they are providing litter boxes in schools for furries iowa boxes in bathrooms to accommodate students who identify as a real thing 've seen! My, according to litter boxes in schools for furries iowa Webster refers to, and litter boxes for students who identify as horses identifying... Some fun in this cozy space in Fayette animal, or an animal, or an animal with. Iowa State Education Association litter boxes in schools for furries iowa Mary Jane Cobb said the litter box in the school systems anywhere wasnt.., & quot ; said EVSC Superintendent David Smith, after Monday & # x27 s. Story multiple litter boxes in schools for furries iowa, some social media have spawned the subject into a hot button conversation and widespread rumors into... Of Waterloo 14, 2022 Updated: May or Otherkin and are not allowed that I in! ( Read More about ourpartnership with Facebook. ) have some fun in this tiny house you.

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