But, quite frankly, its offensive. Please check your email to confirm and complete your registration. He later retracted his comments after finding out they werent true, according to reporting by the Associated Press. Maine 'furries' talk about the fun, friendship and freedom that come from letting your inner animal out. If your knowledge of furries. . Kymera, 14, of Colorado, said being a furry is just a hobby, akin to being a mascot. Getty Images. Bolduc is among a group of Republican politicians and pundits who spread the same hoax throughout the campaign cycle, causing communications crises for school leaders. But other politicians who spread the rumor, including Boebert in Colorado, won. Its a fandom like anything else, she said, people expressing passion in a way thats good for them and having a community for it, a super safe space.. Brandy Zadrozny is a senior reporter for NBC News. Why would you attack our most vulnerable to get your point across, especially since the point is baseless?. Rich Abrahamson/ Morning Sentinel. Associate professor, Social Development Studies, University of Waterloo. This story has been shared 102,768 times. School board proposes banning furries after rumors of litter boxes in schools spread LGBTQNation 10/25/2022 Like 442 Comments | 778 A school board in North Carolina considered a. Why do we have litter boxes in some of the school districts so kids can pee in them, because they identify as a furry? ET. The litter boxes in schools hoax (also called the litter box canard) [1] [2] is a false rumor alleging that certain North American schools provide litter boxes in bathrooms for students who "identify as cats", or who participate in the furry or otherkin subcultures. Unionization, lawsuits and China: How will the video game industry adapt in 2023? At least 250,000 Americans identify as furries, and though a subset of the group say theyre into it for sexual reasons, more often its nothing more than fan-driven escape. Reply. It really allows you to be an idealized version of yourself. May. Theres a sense of I pay for what my kids learn that isnt the case in other countries that have a national curriculum, he says. crivez un article et rejoignez une communaut de plus de 158 000 universitaires et chercheurs de 4 538 institutions. NBC News found one example of a school district keeping cat litter on campuses for students to use but it had nothing to do with accommodating children who identify as animals. 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?. We've received your submission. NSF official wants to catalyze research partnerships to tackle pressing societal challenges. Not So, Says School Official, https://www.nytimes.com/2022/01/23/us/politics/michigan-litter-box-school.html. An online publication called Maine Journal News (its motto is, The news and information you wont hear from mainstream media) began a recent article about furries with, Put your coffees down because you dont want to spit it out.. A Michigan superintendent said a rumor that a school district has litter boxes on school grounds for students who identify as furries to use the bathroom is . We have more than enough to do in teacher education than to debunk false stories. What are atmospheric rivers? But the Minnesota Republican isnt the only one whos helped spread the myth. Despite these risk factors and some who fear ostracism for their interests, furries well-being, self-esteem, life satisfaction, relationship quality and happiness are the same as non-furries. However, its worth noting there are many marginalized statuses within the furry community. Shes allowed to wear her tail and mask at work, she said. The rumor that furries people who have an interest in anthropomorphic animal characters and sometimes dress up as them used litter boxes in the school district, which is about two hours northwest of Detroit, appears to have started at a school board session last month, based on a video of the meeting. Williamson explained that she understood the litter box would be for students who identify as "furries." Wormstadt said Friday he had spoken with school administrators about the topic and. Libs of TikTok noted as much in a subsequent tweet, but questioned why no one said so at the school board meeting, where some people applauded after Hansen spoke. Heres How Teachers Say It Did. A. Heres what you need to know. She is a co-founder of the International Anthropomorphic Research Project/Furscience. The inclusive nature of the furry fandom means that, for many furries, its a safe place where they can be their most authentic selves. FOLLOW ME . Its bullying because of immaturity.. However, the term furry fandom was being used in online magazines as early as 1983 and had become the standard name for the genre by the mid-1990s, according to the Wikipedia entry. One school district was accused of putting cat litter boxes in school bathrooms for students who identify as "furries," but the superintendent of Michigan's Midland . Powers, the headmaster of Pinkerton Academy, said the rumors take resources away from academics and student learning and ultimately frustrate an already tired staff. Heidi Ganahl, the Republican nominee for governor of Colorado, speaks at a forum in Denver on Sept. 30. Olivia, 16, from California, said shes been part of the furry community for six years. Dayna, 15, who lives in Canada, said she brings a mask and tail to school every day but only wears them during lunch and keeps them in her bag during class. The dress code is pretty flexible, she said. At face value, this might seem like another example of folks on the right embracing yet another weird myth because it was circulated by Republicans who ought to know better. Still, the untrue gossip is quite hurtful. In an Oct. 19, 2021, Facebook post, the Public Schools Branch of Prince Edward Island said that for several months it had fielded calls, been sent emails and been pointed to numerous social media posts that make broad sweeping assertions regarding students who identify as cats. It becomes a distraction from what it is that were trying to do on a daily basis, he said. Similarly, furries might attend a furry convention, local meet-up or simply connect with like-others online, but they return to everyday life on Mondayjust like everyone else, Roberts says. Theyre putting litter boxes, right? I wish I was making this up.. While the district's superintendent assured WLWT that this furry gear is, in fact, a dress code violation, that hasn't seemed to ease the worries of the anonymous student who started the petition. Theres no such thing as a litter box at a furry convention.. Furries, a subculture of people who are interested in anthropomorphic animal characters and often dress up as them, are not directly connected to the LGBTQ community, but the hoax has still been used to ridicule LGBTQ students, Jentz said. But thats not quite right. That is the case for Bunny Hawkins, who says that without her costume, shes not completely expressing herself. Search thousands of jobs, from paraprofessionals to counselors and more. The writer declined to reveal the source or sources because they reportedly spoke on the condition of anonymity and the information could not be confirmed. Sometimes transmasc, nonbinary or transfur., Mick Pratt of Westbrook Facebook profile picture, The furry community is primed for trans people to explore new identities, she said. Pratt, who works at Bull Moose headquarters in Portland as the marketing/social media manager, has attended more than 100 conventions. Furries are people who have an interest in anthropomorphism, which specifically refers to giving human characteristics to animals. False rumors about litter boxes in classrooms have gained momentum in recent months. 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.. Every school district that has been named by those 20 politicians said either to NBC News or in public statements that these claims are untrue. She covers misinformation, extremism and the internet. Its not something you become, its something you realize you are, Bunny said in a recent phone interview. The page also provides information on relevant news items, such as how the district uses the H1-B visa program to hire specialty international workers to fill staffing shortages, and how Grand Forks student ACT scores compare with other students in the area. In the end, Plante wrote, furries are no different than anyone else they have the same need to belong, need to have a positive and distinct sense of self, and a need for self-expression.. These are not the kinds of species that would use litter boxes, anyway. Furries dont identify as animals; they identify with animals. Many people think that furries dress up as animals. Log in to join the discussion. The cover photo for the Furries of Portland Maine Facebook group. Well, all kinds of people go to conferences; sometimes they have sex there. In Minnesotas gubernatorial race, former state Sen. Scott Jensen has taken some bizarre positions in recent months. Im a co-founder of the International Anthropomorphic Research Project, also known as Furscience. It would be like trying to have sex wearing a winter coat inside a spacesuit. Abbotts attacks: Its a campaign of terror, As elections near, racist appeals receive little GOP pushback. Whats most provocative about this hoax is how it turns on two key wedge issues for conservatives: educational accommodations and gender nonconformity, said Joan Donovan, research director of the Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard University and co-author of Meme Wars: The Untold Story of the Online Battles Upending Democracy in America.. [Someone who] cosplays as Captain Kirk is unlikely to show up for work on Monday and demand that their phone be replaced with a Star Fleet Communicator, she said. The kitty litter story was quickly found to be total nonsense but may have had more staying viral power in reaching many people whod never before heard of the alternative lifestyle some of whom may find they relate to it, said Strike, who dresses up as a suave Komodo dragon named Komos. Furries are bullied at almost twice the rates of non-furries, and our forthcoming research indicates that four to 15 per cent are on the autism spectrum. How George Santos got away with it (for now). Its about expressing her femininity as a transgender woman, she said. Don't have a commenting profile? Thats not a big leap from her natural optimism and cheerfulness, she said. Powers and his staff had to respond quickly, pulling together a statement to publish on social media on a Sunday night. Humans can find intimate connections when they gather, but its not usually the reason they engaged in the activity. The claim is a local school district is putting litter boxes in . Its fascinating to see smart, common sense people get sucked into the narrative and actually believe its happeningthat we have students dressing up like animals, that we have litter boxes in our schools, Brenner said. Litter boxes will not be put in schools on P.E.I. A Facebook post detailing the hilarious rumor is blowing up online. Its offensive to our teachers, to our principals, to our students. Now were going to talk about litter boxes and bathrooms and kids, thats what were talking about now? Pinkerton Academy Headmaster Tim Powers said. But while the school bathroom claim was quickly debunked, furries say its disappointing to see their community ostracized. Putting aside broader questions about the degree to which weve lost our minds, Jensens claim was, and is, ridiculous: No one is putting litter boxes in schools because children identify as furries. To get one, go to the subscriptions page. Maddock did not respond to requests for comment. Custodial staff CANNOT be required to clean up litter boxes. She also claimed that the nefarious practice was part of a nationwide agenda being pushed within the education system. Some politicians issued warnings about children acting as cats during debates regarding school policies related to transgender and nonbinary youth. But the claim has taken on a life of its own among a growing number of Republicans, conservative influencers and political commentators. Weve lost our minds. Andy Cross / Denver Post via Getty Images. Were his actions justified? Were a small group of interdisciplinary professors who have studied furries and other fan groups for more than 15 years. 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. He plans to be there in June as Hellboy, wearing red face paint and horns. Many of these assertions claim that schools have or are in the process of having litter boxes placed in schools.. Primary school teacher who punched and kicked horse Carole Baskins dead husband found alive but no one noticed last year, I went to McDonalds drive-thru for lunch but left with bags of cash instead, Ex-'SNL' star talks MLK Jr. 'penis' statue in 'Daily Show' debut: 'Can't unsee it', Sutton Stracke: I want to fight bossy ex-RHOBH co-star Lisa Rinna, Jim Edmonds says ex Meghan Kings lies about him are fking annoying, Conor Kennedy gifts pal Andrew Warren rare Dior purse at Miami bash, Kitten born with same 'Zorro' mask as her father, Shakira allegedly discovered Gerard Piqu's cheating because of a jam jar. 13, 2022 4:31 pm. Create one. Many of the litter box rumours also fixate on cats. The superintendent of the school claims the woman's story is "not true". Brenner found the hoax in his school community to be purposefully deceitful and part of an overarching political agenda to sow distrust in public schools. shared a video of the school board meeting and the comments on Facebook. Anything is possible and I cant disprove a negative. Some children, she alleged, would only communicate in barks and hisses. 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. Already have a commenting profile? Like Bugs Bunny, Mickey Mouse, team mascots. Best thrift stores in Boston and Oakland and is it okay to thrift XMas gifts? Breakout sessions are held for specific groups, such as people in fox suits or deer suits, Pratt said. In January 2022, for example, unfounded rumors were circulated on social media . Prior to the litter box rumours, furries were seen as sexual deviants an idea that was reinforced by popular media that emphasized the sensational over facts. FURRIES REACT to the Furry Litter Boxes in School Drama! At the school sit-down, concerned parent Lisa Hansen said she was really disturbed after reportedly learning from a student that at least one of our schools in our town, in one of the unisex bathrooms, a litter box for the kids that identify as cats. Get the latest education news delivered to your inbox daily. How an urban myth about litter boxes in schools became a GOP talking point At least 20 Republican politicians have claimed that schools are making accommodations for students who identify. When Bolduc spread the hoax about Pinkerton, it didnt take long for it to be picked up by local and some national media outlets. What are we doing to our kids? The rumor of litter boxes in schools appears to have begun among parents on social media, and one of the first schools to confront the falsehood was in Canada last fall. Furries are a subculture of people who dress up as anthropomorphic animal characters, sometimes developing online fursonas and attending conventions, one of which, Anthro New England, is scheduled for January in Boston. It looks like you do not have any active subscriptions. All of the claims have been debunked, often by school leaders themselves who posted statements on social media and school websites to limit the rumors spread. I think its an agenda that has been started by a small minority group and a political wing, said Brenner, who emphasized he was speaking about his own personal opinion and not on behalf of the district. Its only used to kind of sensationalize untruth, and to harm our community, in particular our transgender, nonbinary and gender-expansive youth, said Nadine Bridges, executive director of One Colorado, an LGBTQ rights organization, when asked about the litter box rumors. But furries are often framed in a negative light. Mr. Sharrow, the superintendent, citing a backdrop of this divisive/contentious world in which we currently find ourselves, urged parents to contact him if rumors like this surfaced again. It began as a large quest for self-discovery. Litter Boxes for Students Who Identify as Furries? I still have a lot of social anxiety, but I feel more confident. For instance, in 2017, Scott Chamberlain, a councilman from New Milford, Conn., wasforced to resign when it came to light that he was a furry. A couple of misunderstandings are that furries have fur fetishes or that they are psychologically dysfunctional, Plante wrote. Join us for this event with educators and experts on the current state of equity and what comes next. Also this month, GOP Rep. Lauren Boebert told an audience in her home state of Colorado that educators are putting litter boxes in schools for people who identify as cats. Around the same time, Ed Thelander, a Republican congressional candidate in Maine, touted the same myth. 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.. Students arent achieving academically, socially, behaviorally, or emotionally.

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