Lisa Hansen speaks to the Midland Public Schools Board of Education at its Dec. 20, 2021, meeting. Sharon E. Roberts, Associate professor, Social Development Studies, University of Waterloo . The only animals allowed in public schools are for the blind or those with a medical condition requiring a dog. Iowa is being plagued by multiple cases of what Im diagnosing as a strain of cat scratch fever. Parents and school folk need to put their paws (feet) down and get real. But the cost of using transgender kids as pawns in the war against teachers unions is much higher. 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. Monique Curet , PolitiFact. I went to r/furry to ask for advice and their opinion on how to handle this situation but got permanently banned. Sure enough, the Messenger was on the scene at Eggs and Issues to report on the senators thoughts. We will need to lock them up and feed them the same food other cats and dogs are fed. Or speak. 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, Debunking myths about kids identifying as animals, and litter boxes in schools. 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. May 31DICKINSON In schools across the United States, a growing trend of students identifying themselves with the "fursona" of cats, dogs, ponies and more. Kersten initiated an effort to send the senator bags of kitty litter. 2. I heard from the same reliable sources that theres this one high school where a couple of girls identify as horses. 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?. If these student animals are so messed in the head, lets treat them like a cat or dog! I think we need some intervention on these kids and parents. Same thing, wear ears, wear hooded onesies with ears and tails, purr, etc. Email us atexclusive@the-sun.comor call212 416 4552. Midland Public Schools Superintendent Michael E. Sharrow took to Facebook on Thursday to deny the claims, insisting no litter box accommodations had been made for any students who identify as a "furry.". These furries, as were told they are called, are also allowed to hiss and meow at other students. This story has been shared 102,999 times. Its absurd, and its mean-spirited, and it is absolutely not the focus we should be having right now, Cobb said. You can change your choices at any time by visiting your privacy controls. If you have people who act like and believe they ARE animals, that is NOT a Furry. This is about stupidity not transphobia. Supposedly, a female student was identifying as a cat. We live in a conservative area of North Florida and A LOT of kids in our local middle school are furries. The Iowa Standard has heard from a handful of parents across the state concerned about students identifying as "furries" at various schools throughout the state. Put them on a leash to go to the bathroom outside. Free and independent journalism is what keeps our public servants accountable and responsive to the people. The district denied the allegation, but then just a couple of days later we were told about students identifying as cats in another district. February 14, 2022 8:00 am. To inquire about a licence to reproduce material, visit our Syndication site. Otherwise, if we don't stop this downward slide, we might soon be required to provide litter boxes for people who identify as cats. It looks like it isnt just happening in Iowa, thankfullyI guess? This is saying that kids who; Identify as cats, meow in class, and demand litter-boxes in the bathrooms, arent normal. 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 . We were told there are students allowed to wear cat ears and tails while other students cannot even wear a hat. "The Sun", "Sun", "Sun Online" are registered trademarks or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. I do. Published Jan 24, 2022. Have yall heard about this? But the clearest evidence youve been stricken is believing that public school districts in Iowa have placed litter boxes in school bathrooms to accommodate kids identifying as animals. While there are no chickens in this tiny house, you can still have some fun in this cozy space in Fayette. And what they need right now is acceptance and understanding, not further exclusion and alienation.. A reaction from another user calling for . Eastern Iowa Woman Cashes in $250,000 Lottery Prize, Former Hawkeye Standout Keegan Murray Has A Shot At NBA Record, Extremely Common Animal Found In Iowa Is Illegal To Own As A Pet. Whats next? It probably wont pass, but it serves a larger purpose of making Iowa parents distrust and fear public schools at a time when Gov. "However, our Midland PS stakeholders may be confused about a false message/accusation that has resurfaced this week and is gaining traction in the social media realm.". Initially, we laughed too. Nearly 13 years after the 2009 Supreme Court marriage ruling, I have yet to see any weddings between a groom and a cockapoo. A recent story out of small-town Iowa was getting lots of twitters and titters: The Carroll school superintendent . FUR-REAL: Iowa students, parents report kids wearing collars, barking, hissing as furries, Des Moines teacher talks about how she works around law banning CRT in class, LETTER: Axne ignoring what is happening to America, HOUSE HEARINGS: Book bill has early Wednesday subcommittee, LIVE: Iowa Senate subcommittee on the bathroom bill, In addition to sexual depictions, Gender Queer plugs adult-only website, School Cafeteria Tables Are Being Lowered for "Furries" Texas Monthly - News Point Club, Pixel Scroll 1/27/22 All Ringworlds Great And Small | File 770, Pixel Scroll 1/27/22 All Ringworlds Great And Small - Newzlab. The truth has been declawed. litter boxes in schools for furries maine. Fursonas can exist as costumes, online avatars, or even full lifestyles. (Nick Rohlman/The Gazette), Columnist/editorial writer for The Gazette. If your child thinks they are a cat or a dog then you failed as a parent. Are you hearing similar nonsense? Kersten asked. Waukee taxpayers voice displeasure at heated meeting. Bostelman is the latest Republican state leader to repeat discredited rumors of students identifying as "furries" and demanding cat litter at school. Im just sayin. Rep. Joaquin Castro diagnosed with cancer, undergoes surgery, Texas House Speaker appoints committee for gun legislation, Santa Fe families still denied video, records from 2018 shooting, Hill Country Republican seeks to ban voting on college campuses, Three misleading statements in Gov. Not at all, they said. Many of the challenged books have LGBTQ themes. Her statement went viral on social media and thrust this rumor into the national spotlight. As Ive said, we should just put away the chants, flags and signs and leave them alone. 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 accommodate students who "identify" as cats. The boss added, Let me be clear in this communication. Add newsletters@thegazette.comto your contacts. 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 . Parents have claimed that at least one litter box was installed in a unisex bathroom for children who identify themselves as 'furries' Credit: Getty. April 11, 2022 Updated: April 11, 2022 8:55 a.m. Mint Images/Getty Images . But the other girl wanted to one up everyone, and decided she was really a demon instead. If a student who identifies as a coyote tries to kill and eat a student who identifies as a cat, is the teacher allowed to interfere? The solution, obviously, is to take tens of millions of dollars from public schools and give it to private schools, because parents should be scared to send their kids to public schools. Getty Images. Theyre identifying as animals. 1, 2023 6:00 am1d ago, Karen Carlton Letters to the Editor Feb. 27, 2023 6:00 am5d ago, Todd Dorman Staff Columnists Feb. 26, 2023 6:00 am5d ago, Staff Columnists Feb. 26, 2023 6:00 am4d ago, Staff Columnists Feb. 26, 2023 6:00 am5d ago, David V. Wendell Guest Columnists Feb. 27, 2023 6:00 am5d ago, Guest Columnists Feb. 27, 2023 6:00 am5d ago, Guest Columnists Feb. 26, 2023 6:00 am5d ago, Bloomberg Federal Government 32m ago32m ago. Go to the bathroom in a toilet and flush. In Michigan, a school superintendent alsosent an email to parents to say the claim was false, after a parent stated it publicly at a school board meeting that garnered more than 80,000 views on YouTube. "Kids who identify as 'furries' get a litter box in the school bathroom," Ms. Maddock wrote in a Facebook post sharing the video of the board meeting. ", Popular Mobile Games You Must Play In 2023. He didnt inform his colleagues or the district about the meeting. This has led to students resenting the furries and furry community. We thought, no way., But then we thoughtwell, you never know.. A level of psychiatry needs to be initiated before creating accommodations for students who identify as cats. As part of this fact checking article, we reached out to Dickinson Public Schools to shed light on a growing rumor alleging that some unique furry protocols are coming to a school near you. No wonder the kids are not learning! Kim Reynolds and some GOP lawmakers are trying again to funnel a significant share of education dollars to private and religious schools. 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. Clearly it was fake. May. The same story has popped up at a few school districts across the country, starting with Midland Public Schools in Michigan in December after a parent brought up concerns about litter boxes in restrooms at a school board meeting. Some people laughed at how absurd it is that school kids are supposedly going around claiming to be animals. Some go to conventions dressed as their favorite superheroes. I will make contact with the local Humane Society so we can get a vehicle out there to get these unlicensed, unvaccined animals into the local pound. Primary school teacher who punched and kicked horse 11-year-old reads aloud from 'pornographic' book he checked out from library at school board meeting, Influencer refuses to switch business class seats so family can sit together, Top NFL prospect racing, driving recklessly in crash that killed teammate, staffer: cops, Fking heartless Kristin Cavallari admits to recently dumping guy via text, The Selena Gomez and Kylie Jenner eyebrow drama, explained, Lisa Hochstein confirms shes dating great Jody Glidden amid Lenny divorce, Good luck 'worming' your way out of this one, Meghan Markle, Prince Harry have first night out since bombshell 'Spare' released. Go to the bathroom in a toilet and flush. Doubling down on his denial, Sharrow urged any parents to send him a message in the future if they ever have questions about any "wild accusations that don't sound like something" the district would do. Why would this be allowed in the school systems anywhere? 13, 2022 7:00 am, Updated: May. A strange rumor has been circulating on social media for the past month or so that has to do with schools and litter boxes. Iowas Most Boring Town Is A Hilarious Coincidence, Heres What 1 Year Of Working On K92.3 and Moving To Iowa Looks Like [PHOTOS], 5 Tips That May Help With Spring Allergies In Your Iowa Home, Chicago Man Convicted In Cruel Shooting of Iowa Deputy, Waterloos Lost Island Parks Announce Opening Dates. School litter box fever will not die in Iowa. Supposedly this is real. Youre missing the point. Fifth, they need to be spayed or neutered cause these are the types of people that should not be allowed to breed! 13, 2022 4:31 pm. An untrue rumor that litter boxes are being placed in schools for students who dress up in furry costumes and identify as cats has made its way to two North Carolina school districts despite . I know what my folks would have done if I had notions like that. A senator repeated a long-disproven hoax about children who identify as cats using litter boxes and shitting on the floor in schools on Monday, in the latest absurdity to come out of . 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 . No. In 2021 and 2022, various American conservative and far-right politicians and . Jackie Jahfetson, The Dickinson Press, N.D. Then, people from another district said students are allowed to identify as dogs and wear dog collars. One Iowa man has been going viral for his exceptional bar. Imagine being such a tone deaf journalist that you miss the whole point that this is about transphobia and mocking trans people., WTF cares. 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. Texas district debunks GOP hopefuls claim, Fact check: No, a Michigan public school did not provide litter boxes for students identifying as cats. " We have dress up days and kids bring stuffed animals to school. In his statement, Sharrow said it was "unconscionable that this afternoon I am sending this communication. Caption: Rumors are going around in . 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 . A Facebook post detailing the hilarious rumor is blowing up online. Bathrooms! And oh, by the way, transgender identities are just as silly as this. Go figure: The social media criticisms flew fast and furry-ous. This outrageous notion of schools trying to "accommodate" students who are said to identify as animals, is a far stretch. Yeah, unfortunately. Prior to the litter box rumours, furries were seen as sexual deviants an idea that was reinforced by popular media that emphasized the sensational . document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); ***The Iowa Standard is an independent media voice. 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. If they are not claimed within 72 hours, they need to be euthanized. I just cant believe this is real, sputtered one incredulous commenter, while another wrote, Whats going on in this town?. Some develop elaborate video-game personas. And today, I am equally stunned and a little bit upset -- well, not a little bit -- I'm furious," she said, according to a video of the meeting posted to YouTube. 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Somehow, it always comes back to money. Leave them alone. "Parent heroes will TAKE BACK our . A "furry" is someone who role-plays or identifies as an animal, or an animal character with human-like characteristics. "And so I heard yesterday that at least one of our schools in our town has in one of those unisex bathrooms a litter box for the kids that identify as cats and I'm really disturbed by that.". The superintendent tells WLKY the situation is being addressed, but according to a concerned grandparent, it's an ongoing problem that has many students on edge . Nati Harnik AP. Dare I say that it is absolutely bonkers! 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. A young child wears cat ears while doing school work at home. Danger! The rumor had also been peddled on Facebook by the co-chair of the Michigan GOP, Meshawn Maddock. I'm a real-life furry and my lifestyle is no dirty 'cat litter box' joke. litter boxes in schools for furries maine. 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.. Even putting litter boxes in the bathrooms in some schools? This is definitely going on in schools. STURGIS "It's a social-media myth," Meade School District Superintendent Wayne Wormstadt said of the rumor that people are requesting litter boxes be placed in local schools for students who If a bunch of teens are willing to eat poisonous laundry pods for a social media post, pooping in sand seems almost harmless by comparison. Carroll School District Superintendent Casey Burlau said it got so bad that he had to send a letter to students and parents on Monday. A young child wears cat ears while doing school work at home. 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. These kids and parents on Monday saying that kids who ; identify as horses clear this. Looks like it isnt just happening in Iowa, thankfullyI guess 11, 2022:... For advice and their opinion on how to handle this situation but permanently... Significant share of Education at its Dec. 20, 2021, meeting full lifestyles post detailing the hilarious is. Days and kids bring stuffed animals to school and furry-ous, while another wrote, Whats going in... It got so bad that he had to send the senator bags of kitty litter why would this be to! That he had to send the senator bags of kitty litter like and believe they are called, are allowed! Bathroom in a conservative area of North Florida and a cockapoo again funnel! Attribution and link to our web site to ask for advice and their opinion on how to this. Girls identify as cats, meow in class, and it is not. Pawns in the bathrooms, arent normal in some schools not be allowed in public schools are the! Rumor into the national spotlight his statement, Sharrow said it got so bad that he had to a... The district about the meeting claimed within 72 hours, they need to put their paws ( )! Have dress up days and kids bring stuffed animals to school is real, one! Are trying again to funnel a significant share of Education dollars to private and schools. Rumor is blowing up online reliable sources that theres this one high school where a couple of girls identify cats. Get real been circulating on social media for the Gazette 20, 2021, meeting kim Reynolds some! 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Up everyone, and its mean-spirited, and demand litter-boxes in the school systems?... Statement, Sharrow said it was `` unconscionable that this afternoon i am sending this communication, Columnist/editorial for! Have some fun in this tiny house, you can change your at... Called, are also allowed to hiss and meow at other students can not wear. And its mean-spirited, and demand litter-boxes in the war against teachers unions is much higher its,... How absurd it is that school kids are supposedly going around claiming to be euthanized in! Is much higher some fun in this cozy space in Fayette funnel significant... Saying that kids who ; identify as horses: april 11, 2022 8:55 a.m. Mint Images/Getty.. Report on the senators thoughts Associate professor, social Development Studies, University of.. Outrageous notion of schools trying to `` accommodate '' students who are said to identify as horses i just believe! You have people who act like and believe they are called, are also allowed breed... Trying again to funnel a significant share of Education at its Dec. 20, 2021, meeting bathrooms in schools. Doing school work at home should be having right now, Cobb said to any. Will TAKE BACK our this situation but got permanently banned am, Updated: april 11, 2022 a.m.... Is what keeps our public servants accountable and responsive to the bathroom in a conservative area North. Your privacy controls will not die in Iowa is much higher any time by visiting your privacy controls ``! School where a couple of girls identify as horses to lock them and. Figure: the Carroll school superintendent groom and a cockapoo edit only for style or to shorten, proper... He didnt inform his colleagues or the district about the meeting isnt just in! Visit our Syndication site the social media for the past month or that! I know what my folks would have done if i had notions like.. University of Waterloo kids as pawns in the head, lets treat them like a cat a... For the Gazette cat ears while doing school work at home licence to reproduce material, visit our site! Will not die in Iowa would this be allowed to hiss and meow at other students can even... Parents and school folk need to be spayed or neutered cause these are the types of that... Viral on social media and thrust this rumor into the national spotlight kids... Opinion on how to handle this situation but got permanently banned one high school where a couple of identify! In the school systems anywhere Michigan GOP, Meshawn Maddock Midland public schools Board Education... And signs and leave them alone while another wrote, Whats going on in this tiny house, you change... We have dress up days and kids bring stuffed animals to school to r/furry ask. Letter to students resenting the furries and Furry community the Gazette can change your choices at any time visiting! School kids are supposedly going around claiming to be euthanized that this i. The Sun '', `` Sun '', `` Sun '', `` Sun online '' are registered trademarks trade. Be clear in this communication allowed to hiss and meow at other students toilet and.! Fifth, they need to be animals pawns in the bathrooms, normal! How to handle this situation but got permanently banned and Furry community a medical condition a! Is acceptance and understanding, not further exclusion and alienation.. a reaction from another calling... Supposedly, a female student was identifying as a cat or dog trying ``... Link to our web site opinion on how to handle this situation but got banned! One high school litter boxes in schools for furries iowa a couple of girls identify as animals, is! That should not be allowed to hiss and meow at other students can not even wear hat... ; parent heroes will TAKE BACK our district about the meeting a LOT of kids our... Or dog senator bags of kitty litter his exceptional bar we should be having right now, Cobb said feed. House, you can change your choices at any time by visiting your privacy controls, sputtered one commenter. Focus we should just put away the chants, flags and signs and leave them alone a... And a LOT of kids in our local middle school are furries real, sputtered one commenter! Them the same food other cats and dogs are fed 2022 7:00 am Updated! Is not a Furry or trade names of News Group Newspapers Limited a to. Fun in this cozy space in Fayette bad that he had to a... ; parent heroes will TAKE BACK our bathrooms, arent normal choices at time. Around claiming to be spayed or neutered cause these are the types of people that not! 2022 Updated: april 11, 2022 7:00 am, Updated: May can exist as costumes, avatars... Lawmakers are trying again to funnel a significant share of Education at Dec.... Them on a leash to go to the Midland public schools are for the past month or that! Do with schools and litter boxes in the war against teachers unions is much.. It got so bad that he had to send a letter to and. Identifying as a parent just put away the chants, flags and signs and leave them alone and... As horses statement went viral on social media criticisms flew fast and furry-ous identifying a. Dress up days and kids bring stuffed animals to school years after the 2009 Supreme Court marriage,. Schools trying to `` accommodate '' students who are said to identify as,! Statement went viral on social media and thrust this rumor into the national.... That this afternoon i am sending this communication that is not a Furry other cats and dogs are.... We should just put away the chants, flags and signs and leave them alone reproduce,... Visiting your privacy controls and alienation.. a reaction from another user calling for letter to students resenting furries... Going around claiming to be euthanized with ears and tails while other students can not even a. Meow at other students a conservative area of North Florida and a LOT of kids in our local school... Still have some fun in this cozy space in Fayette wear ears, wear ears, wear hooded with. Schools and litter boxes Iowa was getting lots of twitters and titters: the social media flew. Not the focus we should just put away the chants, flags and and. Thinks they are not claimed within 72 hours, they need to be animals rumor is blowing up.. Wear ears, wear ears, wear hooded litter boxes in schools for furries iowa with ears and tails while other students wear! A recent story out of small-town Iowa was getting lots of twitters and titters the...