Bostelman is the latest Republican state leader to repeat discredited rumors of students identifying as "furries" and demanding cat litter at school. A recent story out of small-town Iowa was getting lots of twitters and titters: The Carroll school superintendent . . 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 . Supposedly, a female student was identifying as a cat. Some furries even wear animal costumes or tails in public, I believe I'm a WOLF and I dress up using furry ears and a tail to howl in the woods, Independent Press Standards Organisation (IPSO). Canva/KM. Urinating and dedication in a litter box, for others to clean up is unsanitary and quite frankly disgusting. The same story has been debunked elsewhere in Iowa and in Nebraska, Wisconsin and Michigan. Debunking myths about kids identifying as animals, and litter boxes in schools Published: November 7, 2022 4.32pm EST Sharon E. Roberts , University of Waterloo The rumor had also been peddled on Facebook by the co-chair of the Michigan GOP, Meshawn Maddock. 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 . The Meade School District will not be putting litter boxes in district schools, the superintendent said. 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. All rights reserved. Or speak. If they are not claimed within 72 hours, they need to be euthanized. 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 . A couple of weeks ago we received an email. "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.". 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. 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. 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, 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. Feb 14, 2022 Updated Mar 22, 2022. And because of people like theMichigan woman who went viral, schoolsnow have to address these rumors via email. "I was in almost every school yesterday and I think you know that I am in schools a lot. This story has been shared 147,519 times. Of course, the media is keeping littergate secret. 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. 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. Why is damn near everything the GOP pushes anchored in manufactured fear? 13, 2022 7:00 am, Updated: May. His latest book is The Grace Controversy. Lawmakers are debating all kinds of extreme legislation, like Sen. Jake Chapmans school porn bill that threatens teachers with prison. We will need to lock them up and feed them the same food other cats and dogs are fed. Meanwhile, back in Marion, at last weeks Linn-Mar School Board meeting, board member Matt Rollinger, who opposes the districts transgender policies, got an earful from fellow board members about his attendance at a closed-door meeting with Gov. What in the world is happening? 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. This is about stupidity not transphobia. So many hats! In the message, Berlau writes, Fursonas can exist as costumes, online avatars, or even full lifestyles. Its a cat-spiracy. What is happening to civilization? I heard from the same reliable sources that theres this one high school where a couple of girls identify as horses. Please see our republishing guidelines for use of photos and graphics. Jackie Jahfetson, The Dickinson Press, N.D. Published Jan 24, 2022. A LOT of kids in our local middle school are furries. "Let me be clear in this communication. It all ended in a big fight that caused massive property damage to the school. DEIJ Policy | Ethics Policy | Privacy Policy. "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. 27 febrero, 2023 . 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. to accommodate students who identify as cats, the Public Schools Branch says. 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 . Leave them alone. This is about stupidity not transphobia. Whats next? 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. 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. Midland Public Schools Superintendent Michael A Michigan school district has debunked a wild claim that the school provided litter boxes for students who identified as "furries." . Actually, I was listening to Simon Conway talk about this today, and it apparently IS going on in IOWA schools. Connect with him on Facebook or Twitter. 0. Why would this be allowed in the school systems anywhere? These lawsuits should be plain and simple. Well, for starters, none of this is true!! There is no truth whatsoever to this false statement/accusation! They're furious. Symptoms include a fever, which is worsened by spending lots of time in conservative culture war fever swamps. "There are no litter boxes in our schools. 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. If youve ever used the phrase Fake News now YOU can actually DO something about it! You guys are truly ignorant. Same thing, wear ears, wear hooded onesies with ears and tails, purr, etc. But the cost of using transgender kids as pawns in the war against teachers unions is much higher. A district patron asked the school board at its meeting last week if this . 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. Iowa State Education Association Director Mary Jane Cobb said the litter box rumors are a right-wing attempt to mock LGBTQ+ restroom equality. 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. I never thought I would have to type the following words: schools are not putting litter boxes in their bathrooms. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. " We have dress up days and kids bring stuffed animals to school. Third, they need to take their de-worming pills and dont forget their flea and ticket collars. But just like with book bans, furry fearmongering is translating into state law: The Cedar Rapids Gazette reported this week that the Iowa Senate has passed new laws enshrining further parental . That same day, Sharrow took to Facebook to clarify that the rumor was, in fact, false. You can also support us on PayPal at. May. Abbott's school voucher pitch. [] reports have popped up elsewhere. (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. A Nebraska state senator has walked back comments he made during a televised debate in which he referenced false rumors about schools providing litter boxes for children who . The rumor is that our schools have litter boxes in the restrooms to accommodate individuals who are self-identifying as animals. bizarre concession at a Dec. 20 board meeting. A young child wears cat ears while doing school work at home. Go to the bathroom in a toilet and flush. This story has been shared 102,999 times. "My response to that would be one of the things that teachers have found recently that they've really tried to improve upon is in our language arts classes, (and) other classes too, is making sure that students understand author's point of view, author's bias, credible sources," Lewton said. CARROLL, Iowa - Rumors are going around in one Iowa town that the school district is allowing students who identify as animals to use litter boxes in bathrooms. We ask that you edit only for style or to shorten, provide proper attribution and link to our web site. They are acting just as described in this article. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. 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 litter box canard also serves another political purpose: Trying to scare parents. I very specifically said I am here speaking on my own behalf, Rollinger said. Fact check: No, schools aren't providing litter boxes for students who identify as furries, Pants on Fire: Trump calls election delays 'more time to cheat', Fact check: Violent threats against Congress way up since 2016, Black trail riders head to Houston rodeo parade after grueling, joyful 6-day journey, Yainer Diaz becomes first Astros hitter to violate new MLB rules, In Fertitta's members-only club, where photos, media are banned, Houston ISD to face TEA state takeover, Turner says, Popular breakfast taco spot in Houston announces a comeback, Opinion: 'Dilbert' readers can discern the wheat from the chaff, Final sale: Multiple Tuesday Morning stores in Houston closing, 750-home agrihood with farm, car-free zones breaks ground, Here's what Houston school districts are doing to retain teachers, Study: Low-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack, stroke risk, Why DPS waited to tell Texans their drivers licenses were hacked, Wisconsin school district does not have furry protocol, Nebraska lawmaker apologizes for debunked litter box claim, Carroll Community School District superintendent: No litter boxes in schools, Furries eating out of dog bowls at school? A Nebraska state lawmakerpublicly repeatedthe claim then apologized when he learned it wasnt true. 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? 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! But as far as as I know, I haven't (heard anything). It was about a rumor involving an Iowa school. To see all content on The Sun, please use the Site Map. No. This is simply and emphatically not true, Burlau wrote. Kathie Obradovich Iowa Capital Dispatch. And that is what is missing if you know what I mean. 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. In NY state, a baby can be aborted at birth, but it is illegal, no joke, to declaw a cat. I want to weigh in here, because I am a Furry. Some people laughed at how absurd it is that school kids are supposedly . 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. Caption: Rumors are going around in . More people are discussing students identifying as cats in schools, Iowa Senate Dems pull a McAullife: Call Republicans running for school board literal terrorists, PENCE: Empower Americans to have access to medicines, vaccines they want, let it be their choice, RFRA, Governors Emergency Powers Reform bills will not survive funnel in Iowa Senate State Government Committee, HOUSE HEARINGS: Book bill has early Wednesday subcommittee, SENATE SUBS: Human trafficking task force bill in Wednesday hearing, Google dings stories about 'furries,' ineffectiveness of COVID vaccines as violating standards - The Iowa Standard. Iowa is being plagued by multiple cases of what Im diagnosing as a strain of cat scratch fever. The spokesperson wrote to parents that students were wearing items not school-appropriate. These items include collars and leather straps with spikes. 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. 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. This has led to students resenting the furries and furry community. And despite the best efforts of the reality-based community to find a cure, the condition continues to spread. Youre literally following a rumor mill. In the Dec. 21, 2021, YouTube video, which has over 80,000 views, Lisa Hansen says during the Midland Public Schools board meeting she had been told there was a litter box in the bathroom of at . Using catlike political reflexes, Kraayenbrink tried to scratch some litter to cover up the mess he made. My son's school (large suburban Chicago) has "furries". 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. Meanwhile on TikTok, one video claiming "kids are now requesting litter boxes at school" collected 3 million views on the platform. And have policies ensuring no one mocks them? You have entered an incorrect email address! 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. 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. What a waste of tax dollars! In 2018 a blog for school counselors published a post entitled . De-clawing and neutering, ha! 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. 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