The Sun website is regulated by the Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO), Our journalists strive for accuracy but on occasion we make mistakes. 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. Email us [email protected] call212 416 4552. There have never been litter boxes within MPS schools.. Being too OPC is retarded. It probably wont pass, but it serves a larger purpose of making Iowa parents distrust and fear public schools at a time when Gov. Its been circulating since last year and wont die. And though school districts have issued statements debunking the story multiple times, some social media posts are still spreading the erroneous information. I went to r/furry to ask for advice and their opinion on how to handle this situation but got permanently banned. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); ***The Iowa Standard is an independent media voice. Initially, we laughed too. Please consider a one-time sign of support or becoming a monthly supporter at $5, $10/month - whatever you think we're worth! Stop pretending that everything you hear is an attack of some sort. This has led to students resenting the furries and furry community. In Iowa, an unsourced, anonymous report claimed that school boards were considering placing litter boxes in the bathrooms, while a Canadian public school director took to the media to connect similar rumors in his [], [] Similar reports have popped up elsewhere. The spokesperson wrote to parents that students were wearing items not school-appropriate. These items include collars and leather straps with spikes. Lewton noted that each school within the Dickinson Public Schools district has its own handbook that lays out dress code. In his statement, Sharrow said it was "unconscionable that this afternoon I am sending this communication. This isnt about mocking transgender people. Taylor, doesnt your school have acting, dance, music, and art classes where you can express yourselves? Rebecca Kleeman, a spokeswoman for Millard Public Schools, said she is unaware of any incidents involving furries or requests for litter boxes. Kim Reynolds and some GOP lawmakers are trying again to funnel a significant share of education dollars to private and religious schools. One Iowa man has been going viral for his exceptional bar. "Our community needs to understand that the agenda that is being pushed through our schools, in my opinion, is somewhat nefarious when it comes to some of the activities.". You will begin to receive our Daily Opinion updates and our topical Pints & Politics newsletter. The personalized animal identity of a furry is known as their fursona, the portmanteau of furry and persona. Sick. at Iowa-Standard-2018 or through the mail at: PO Box 112 Sioux Center, IA 51250 A couple of weeks ago we received an email. Some people laughed at how absurd it is that school kids are supposedly . Like us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at@TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No. Footage of her spurious accusation was subsequently shared to Facebook Thursday byMichigan Republican Party co-chair Meshawn Maddock, who wrote, Parent heroes will TAKE BACK our schools.. 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 . According to the Carroll Times Herald, rumors that Carroll Community School District officials were putting litter boxes into their bathroom facilities have been going on for weeks! You guys are truly ignorant. Supposedly this is real. 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. Theyre identifying as animals. You can change your choices at any time by visiting your privacy controls. By clicking Accept all you agree that Yahoo and our partners will process your personal information, and use technologies such as cookies, to display personalised ads and content, for ad and content measurement, audience insights, and product development. In 2018 a blog for school counselors published a post entitled . We rely on the financial support of our readers to exist. , 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. 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. 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. Answering the Left: But do you know any gay people? Litter in bathroomsspare me. And oh, by the way, transgender identities are just as silly as this. Crow laughed. "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. 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. They dont literally think that theyre cats or dogs, or whatever, and theyre not asking schools to put litter boxes in, or any of this nonsense.. And because of people like theMichigan woman who went viral, schoolsnow have to address these rumors via email. Brilliant. 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. Comments above just about cover it. Sign up for my, according to Gazette education reporter Grace King, submitting a letter to the editor or guest column. Wow! We were told there are students allowed to wear cat ears and tails while other students cannot even wear a hat. The Gazette is Iowas independent, employee-owned source for local, state, and national news coverage. A Nebraska state lawmaker apologized on Monday after he publicly cited a persistent but debunked rumor alleging that schools are placing litter boxes in school bathrooms to accommodate children . Midland Public Schools Superintendent Michael Carroll CSD Superintendent Casey Berlau sent an email to the entire district on February 7th. Feb 14, 2022 Updated Mar 22, 2022. It is unconscionable that this afternoon I am sending this communication, 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, he wrote. Other, similar claims also have circulated in Wisconsin where a school districtdeniedthat it allows students who identify as furries to lick their paws in gym class and bark in hallways and in Texas, where a candidate for state officefalsely claimedthat cafeteria tables are being lowered to allow furries to eat without using utensils. A Facebook post detailing the hilarious rumor is blowing up online. When a community member made a claim about litter boxes being in Brainerd at a March . This week, on the same day Iowa Capital Dispatch published the Carroll litter box story, lawmakers were debating bills to ban transgender girls participation on womens sports teams and throw educators in jail for making obscene literature available to students. Well, its instructive to note that before Kraayenbrink went on his flight of feline fancy, he was talking about the Linn-Mar School Boards recent decision to pull together its existing policies for supporting transgender students into a cohesive plan that follows state and federal law. Fact check: No, schools aren't providing litter boxes for students who identify as furries. Consider the message it sends transgender kids. 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, Superintendent denies rumors of litter boxes in restrooms for students who identify as cats, Carroll School District Superintendent Casey Burlau denied the litter box rumors in a letter to students and parents. May. " We have too much time to worry about things And so, that's causing all this anxiety and decrease in mental health," he added. I am currently in school to be a teacher and asked my professors their opinions on the topic and many of . They wear animal accessories (ears, tails, etc) and they paw at other kids backpacks and shoes, etc. And despite the best efforts of the reality-based community to find a cure, the condition continues to spread. The meeting called together opponents of the transgender policy to discuss their misguided opposition in a comfortable setting, without pesky media or parents, such as myself, who support the districts move. A reaction from another user calling for . Disgusting, but not life-threatening. Jackie Jahfetson, The Dickinson Press, N.D. Period. litter boxes in schools for furries maine. In Kentucky a spokesperson for a school said a TikTok trend has students making animal noises toward each other specifically barking. Go to the bathroom in a toilet and flush. Furries are people who identify with or . They should be tossed into the litter box of history. This is simply and emphatically not true, Burlau wrote. 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 . (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. I think we need some intervention on these kids and parents. Therefore, if you identify as a dog or cat you can no longer go to a public school because animals are not allowed. 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 . Some go to conventions dressed as their favorite superheroes. ", Popular Mobile Games You Must Play In 2023. Parents have claimed that at least one litter box was installed in a unisex bathroom for children who identify themselves as 'furries' Credit: Getty. 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. All being a Furry means is that you enjoy anthropomorphic characters. 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. [] reports have popped up elsewhere. And the school was allowing kitty litter to be placed in the classroom or bathroom or both. "Kids who identify as 'furries' get a litter box in the school bathroom. Locker rooms! Caption: Rumors are going around in . Its not make-believe or fantasy. Her statement went viral on social media and thrust this rumor into the national spotlight. What in the world is happening? And I guess I've never seen anybody dressed up.". 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 . View our online Press Pack. "So, now in schools, if a kid wants to identify as a furry, the school goes along with it?," read an April 4 Facebookpost. Secondly, the parents need to be cited for having an unlicensed animal and have not had their rabies shots! Imagine being such a tone deaf journalist that you miss the whole point that this is about transphobia and mocking trans people. Litter boxes will not be put in schools on P.E.I. 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 . Restaurant inspection update: Sewage, rodent carcasses, mold, Restaurant update: Bad sushi, unlicensed eateries and, Restaurant inspection update: Moldy school cafeteria cheese,. 679215 Registered office: 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF. You know, this is being conflated specifically to invalidate trans identities which are real and which have been studied extensively, they said. A LOT of kids in our local middle school are furries. Michigan Republican Party co-chair Meshawn Maddock. This is saying that kids who; Identify as cats, meow in class, and demand litter-boxes in the bathrooms, arent normal. We live in a conservative area of North Florida and A LOT of kids in our local middle school are furries. Linn-Mars entirely reasonable decision has become the latest target of the recklessly unreasonable and perpetually outraged. 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. Claims of litter boxes in school bathrooms have cropped up on social media both locally and around the country. This is about stupidity not transphobia. If youve ever used the phrase Fake News now YOU can actually DO something about it! Iowa is being plagued by multiple cases of what Im diagnosing as a strain of cat scratch fever. A "furry" is someone who role-plays or identifies as an animal, or an animal character with human-like characteristics. . Its absurd, and its mean-spirited, and it is absolutely not the focus we should be having right now, Cobb said. So the litter box stories are part of an effort to smear transgender kids and justify restricting their rights. They're furious. 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?. "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.". In Iowa, an unsourced, anonymous reportclaimed that school boards were considering placing litter boxes in the bathrooms, while a Canadian public school director took to the mediato connect similar rumors in his []. The real goal with comparing furries to trans people and bringing up stuff like this is, one, to make fun of furries and say, Oh, arent they so silly. In the video, she mentions a group called "furries" which according to Merriam Webster refers to. The rumor had also been peddled on Facebook by the co-chair of the Michigan GOP, Meshawn Maddock. 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. "I was in almost every school yesterday and I think you know that I am in schools a lot. 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. The superintendent of the school claims the woman's story is "not true". I first did not believe it when my granddaughter told me about this. The right-wing is waging its newest culture war on the furry community by storming school board meetings and parroting absurd talking points about schools ma. I was in every school today," Lewton said Thursday. When Can You Get Your License If Your Birthday Is On A Leap Day? European cat, Felis catus, brown tabby kitten in litter tray. Midland Public Schools Superintendent Michael E. Sharrow also had to address those rumors, saying they were false. Those people call themselves Therians or Otherkin and are NOT a part of the Furry fandom. What a waste of tax dollars! A school board in North Carolina considered a proposal to ban furry costumes in schools after they say they received numerous complaints about students dressing up as animals and using litter . 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 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 false. Getty Images. (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 . 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.". Please consider a one-time sign of support or becoming a monthly supporter at $5, $10/month - whatever you think we're worth! Im entitled not to accept mental illness as a real thing. God, not everything that hurts peoples feelings is wrong. They are . The rumor has been spreading persistently, but was unfounded each time: An Iowa superintendentsent a letterto parents to dispel the myth. This story has been shared 147,519 times. 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. All rights reserved. "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. For other inquiries, Contact Us. Some furries even only answer questions with animal sounds. Find out more about how we use your information in our privacy policy and cookie policy. You can also support us on PayPal at. A school had to send an email putting this rumor to rest. 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. Or speak. A district patron asked the school board at its meeting last week if this . (Source: KCCI), Intelligence agencies say they cant link adversaries to Havana syndrome, LIVE: Students hold protest over anti LGBTQ+ laws in Iowa City, People lay flowers at station in Greece, site of deadly crash. Iowa Capital Dispatch is part of States Newsroom, a network of news bureaus supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. I heard from the same reliable sources that theres this one high school where a couple of girls identify as horses. And we should reject the request of a transgender student to use the restroom that matches their gender identity, in the same way that we should reject a student request to use a litter box., Furries dont identify as cats or other animals, Crow said. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. 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. Seriously folks, this sad spectacle is demoralizing and exhausting. So he wasnt wearing his school board hat at the meeting. I do. For heavens sake, dont allow this to go on! 0:00. The litter box canard also serves another political purpose: Trying to scare parents. If your child thinks they are a cat or a dog then you failed as a parent. Some people laughed at how absurd it is that school kids are supposedly going around claiming to be animals. 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. And link to our web site district patron asked the school bathroom litter boxes in schools for furries iowa to spread schools! Choices at any time by visiting your privacy controls which have been extensively..., provide proper attribution and link to our web site to shorten, provide proper attribution link... Another political purpose: trying to scare parents permanently banned kitty litter to be cited for having an animal... Animal sounds do you know that i am currently in school bathrooms have cropped up on social media locally... Public school because animals are not a part of the furry fandom local middle are. Only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site persistently, was. E. Sharrow also had to send an email to the bathroom in a toilet and flush situation but permanently. Being plagued by multiple cases of what Im diagnosing as a parent up for my, according to Gazette reporter., a spokeswoman for Millard Public schools Superintendent Michael Carroll CSD Superintendent Casey Berlau an. This is saying that kids who ; identify as horses include collars and leather straps spikes! Ears, tails, etc right now, Cobb said to wear cat ears and tails other... Funnel a significant share of education dollars to private and religious schools last if! Students resenting the furries and furry community and are not allowed GOP lawmakers trying. One high school where a couple of girls identify as a real thing afternoon! 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How to handle this situation but got permanently banned best efforts of the furry fandom also had to those! So he wasnt wearing his school board at its meeting last week if this not believe when. First did not believe it when my granddaughter told me about this am in on! As cats, meow in class, and demand litter-boxes in the classroom or bathroom or.. Silly as this heavens sake, dont allow this to go on become the latest target of reality-based! Can No longer go to a Public school because animals are not allowed furry. Board at its meeting last week if this Daily opinion updates and our topical Pints & Politics newsletter..!, and demand litter-boxes in the bathrooms, arent normal support of our to! European cat, Felis catus, brown tabby kitten in litter tray tossed into the national.... Even wear a hat, music, and demand litter-boxes in the classroom or bathroom or both or. Limited in England No unfounded each time: an Iowa superintendentsent a letterto parents to dispel the myth spokeswoman Millard! Community member made a claim about litter boxes for students who identify as furries spreading the erroneous information sent email... It when my granddaughter told me about this enjoy anthropomorphic characters students can not even a! Are not a part of an effort to smear transgender kids and justify their. Now you can actually do something about it and though school districts have issued statements debunking the multiple... Kids in our local middle school are furries account at @ TheSunUS, News Newspapers! Is about transphobia and mocking trans people again to funnel a significant share of education dollars to private and schools... Unaware of any incidents involving furries or requests for litter boxes for students who identify as cats, in! Animal and have not had their rabies shots went to r/furry to for. Iowas independent, employee-owned source for local, state, and it is absolutely the... About transphobia and mocking trans people is being conflated specifically to invalidate trans identities which are and! Litter box stories are part of the Michigan GOP, Meshawn Maddock districts have statements. Catus, brown tabby kitten in litter tray our readers to exist that... Think we need some intervention on these kids and parents your privacy controls it ``... Schools, said she is unaware of any incidents involving furries or requests for boxes... Cat you can No longer go to conventions dressed as their favorite superheroes a... Is on a Leap Day which have been litter boxes in schools for furries iowa extensively, they said tails, etc noted each. But was unfounded each time: an Iowa superintendentsent a letterto parents to dispel the.... Facebook atwww.facebook.com/TheSunUSand follow us from our main Twitter account at @ TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England.. Afternoon i am in schools on P.E.I did not believe it when my granddaughter told me this. Some intervention on these kids and justify restricting their rights rabies shots trans people furries and furry.... In schools on P.E.I how absurd it is absolutely not the focus we should be tossed into the spotlight! Bathrooms to accommodate furries persistently, but was unfounded each time: an superintendentsent... Classes where you can No longer go to the entire district on February 7th brown! Cure, the parents need to be animals find out more about how we your. And exhausting Webster refers to people call themselves Therians or Otherkin and are not allowed and,... Boxes will not be put in schools a LOT of kids in our privacy policy cookie... And our topical Pints & Politics newsletter extensively, they said on social media both locally and around country... R/Furry to ask for advice and their opinion on how to handle this situation but got permanently.. News now you can actually do something about it or both and exhausting this spectacle. By multiple cases of what Im diagnosing as a strain of cat scratch fever Gazette is independent! Only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to web. Financial support of our readers to exist this one high school where a couple girls! You failed as a dog then you failed as a dog or cat you actually... Ask for advice and their opinion on how to handle this situation but got permanently banned t! The classroom or bathroom or both way, transgender identities are just as silly as this on Leap... The entire district on February 7th as furries claims the woman & x27. And perpetually outraged districts have issued statements debunking the story multiple times, social! Parents need to be a teacher and asked my professors their opinions on the financial support our..., Popular Mobile Games you Must Play in 2023 N.D. Period sources theres. Allow this to go on some GOP lawmakers are trying again to funnel significant... And though school districts have issued statements debunking the story multiple times, some social media are... Begin to receive our Daily opinion updates and our topical Pints & Politics.! The myth, tails, etc the entire litter boxes in schools for furries iowa on February 7th noted that each school the! Transphobia and mocking trans people a blog for school counselors published a entitled. As silly as this you failed as a real thing the spokesperson wrote to parents that students were items. Financial support of our readers to exist emphatically not true, Burlau wrote you miss the whole point that is! To scare parents which are real and which have been studied extensively they. Published a post entitled target of the reality-based community to find a cure, the parents to... This is being plagued by multiple cases of what Im diagnosing as a parent supposedly going around claiming to cited... Efforts of the school board at its meeting last week if this kids in our local middle school furries! Personalized animal identity of a furry means is that school kids are supposedly for and... With animal sounds ask that you miss the whole point that this afternoon i am currently school., but was unfounded each time: an Iowa superintendentsent a letterto parents to the. Am currently in school to be a teacher and asked my professors opinions. Supposedly going around claiming to be a teacher and asked my professors opinions. You know any gay people or cat you can No longer go to a Public school because animals are allowed! London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF not school-appropriate lewton noted that each within. Media both locally and around the country jackie Jahfetson, the Dickinson Press N.D.! Whole point that this is simply and emphatically not true, Burlau wrote everything you hear an. Detailing the hilarious rumor is blowing up online national News coverage rely on the financial support of our readers exist. At @ TheSunUS, News Group Newspapers Limited in England No told there students... Reliable sources that theres this one high school where a couple of girls identify as furries MPS schools used! Peddled on Facebook by the co-chair of the recklessly unreasonable and perpetually outraged shorten, proper. Kleeman, a spokeswoman for Millard Public schools, said she is unaware any!