Litter boxes in schools hoax: Difference between revisions
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{{short description|Hoax claiming schools provide litter boxes |
{{short description|Hoax claiming schools provide litter boxes to students}} |
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<noinclude>{{User:RMCD bot/subject notice|1=Litter box canard|2=Talk:Litter boxes in schools hoax#Requested move 25 December 2022}} |
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The '''litter boxes in schools hoax''' |
The '''"litter boxes in schools" hoax''' (also called the '''litter box canard''')<ref>{{cite web |last=Obradovich |first=Kathie |date=February 14, 2022 |title=Silly school litter box rumors front a darker agenda |url=https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/silly-school-litter-box-rumors-front-darker-agenda |access-date=December 9, 2022 |website=News From the States |quote=The litter box canard also serves another political purpose: Trying to scare parents.}}</ref>'''<ref name=":0">{{cite web |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=October 31, 2022 |title=LGBTQ+ youth are target of a massive fear-mongering campaign |url=https://www.losangelesblade.com/2022/10/31/lgbtq-youth-are-target-of-a-massive-fear-mongering-campaign/ |access-date=December 9, 2022 |website=[[Los Angeles Blade]] |quote=Yet, here we are playing whack a mole with the litter box canard.}}</ref>''' is a false rumor alleging that certain North American schools provide [[Litter box|litter boxes]] in bathrooms for students who "identify as cats", or who participate in the [[Furry fandom|furry]] or [[otherkin]] subcultures. In 2021 and 2022, various American [[Conservatism in the United States|conservative]] and [[Radical right (United States)|far-right]] politicians and media personalities promoted the hoax in response to several school districts enacting protections for [[Transgender youth|transgender]] students.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Arturo |date=October 4, 2022 |title=GOP Gubernatorial Hopefuls Regurgitate 'Students Identifying as Cats' Smear - Truth or Fiction? |url=https://www.truthorfiction.com/scott-jensen-heidi-ganahl-furries/ |access-date=October 20, 2022 |website=Truth or Fiction |language=en-us}}</ref><ref name="nebraska" /> Many news outlets, fact-checking websites, and academic researchers have debunked such claims,<ref name="jennings" /><ref name="nbcnews">{{Cite news |last1=Kingkade |first1=Tyler |last2=Goggin |first2=Ben Goggin |last3=Zadrozny |first3=Brandy |author-link3=Brandy Zadrozny |date=October 14, 2022 |title=How an urban myth about litter boxes in schools became a GOP talking point |work=[[NBC News]] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/misinformation/urban-myth-litter-boxes-schools-became-gop-talking-point-rcna51439 |access-date=October 14, 2022}}</ref><ref name="snopes" /> and officials from every school named by those promoting the hoax have verified that the accusations are false.<ref name="durham">{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2022 |title=DDSB among boards quashing online rumours litter boxes have been added to washrooms |url=https://www.durhamradionews.com/archives/160141 |access-date=October 5, 2022 |website=Durham Radio News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="eganville">{{Cite news |date=October 11, 2022 |title=No litter boxes in local schools |work=Eganville Leader |url=https://www.eganvilleleader.ca/breaking-news/no-litter-boxes-in-local-schools/ |access-date=October 12, 2022}}</ref> The claims have been described as [[internet trolling]],<ref name="pei-schools">{{Cite news |last=MacLean |first=Logan |date=October 22, 2021 |title=False stories of litter boxes in P.E.I. schools meant to ridicule trans community, advocates say |work=[[Saltwire.com]] |url=https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/news/false-stories-of-litter-boxes-in-pei-schools-meant-to-ridicule-trans-community-advocates-say-100649025/ |access-date=October 8, 2022}}</ref> [[fearmongering]],'''<ref name=":0" />''' and [[Anti-LGBT rhetoric|anti-transgender rhetoric]].<ref name="Wade" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Danahue |first=Allison |date=February 19, 2022 |title=Anti-trans litter box rumor is 'harming our LGBTQ+ kids,' advocates say |work=[[Michigan Advance]] |url=https://michiganadvance.com/2022/02/19/anti-trans-litter-box-rumor-is-harming-our-lgbtq-kids-advocates-say/ |access-date=October 8, 2022}}</ref><ref name="them" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Mullin |first=Andrew |date=January 25, 2022 |title=Andrew Mullin: Recent Midland 'furry' scare is transphobia in disguise |work=[[Midland Daily News]] |url=https://www.ourmidland.com/opinion/voices/article/OPINION-Recent-Midland-furry-scare-is-16800801.php |access-date=October 8, 2022}}</ref> |
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The hoax was reported in [[Prince Edward Island]] in October 2021 |
The hoax was reported in [[Prince Edward Island]] in October 2021 and initially thought to be a joke, but had to be formally disavowed as misinformation circulated on social media.<ref name="pei-psb" /> Rumors spread to other Canadian provinces and schools.<ref name="durham" /> In the United States, popular media coverage of the hoax originally revolved around a school in [[Michigan]] in December 2021, but spread to schools in several other states. Ahead of the [[2022 United States elections|2022 elections]], several prominent American politicians and media personalities spread the hoax, including Representatives [[Marjorie Taylor Greene]] of Georgia<ref name="Wade" /> and [[Lauren Boebert]] of Colorado,<ref name="durango" /> Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate [[Scott Jensen (Minnesota politician)|Scott Jensen]],<ref name="jennings" /> retired brigadier general and US Senate candidate [[Donald C. Bolduc|Don Bolduc]],<ref name="new-hampshire">{{Cite web |last=Kaczynski |first=Andrew |date=October 29, 2022 |title=GOP New Hampshire Senate nominee repeats hoax that kids are using litter boxes in schools {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/29/politics/kfile-republican-nominee-new-hampshire/index.html |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en}}</ref> podcast host [[Joe Rogan]] (who later admitted there was no "proof that they put a litter box" in a particular school),<ref name="rogan-no-proof" /><ref name="rogan" /> Chaya Raichik of [[Libs of TikTok]],<ref name="nbcnews" /> and Christian talk show host [[Bill Cunningham (talk show host)|Bill Cunningham]].<ref name="vance" /> Several parents of school-age children have amplified the hoax on social media websites such as [[Facebook]].<ref name="renfrew">{{Cite news |last=Miller |first=Jacquie |date=October 16, 2022 |title=Renfrew County boards squelch bizarre stories about kids using litter boxes at school |work=[[The Ottawa Citizen]] |url=https://ottawacitizen.com/news/local-news/kids-who-think-they-are-cats-renfrew-county-schools-dont-have-litter-boxes-for-students-boards-assure-parents?utm_term=Autofeed&utm_medium=Social&utm_source=Twitter#Echobox=1665920665 |access-date=October 20, 2022}}</ref> |
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The hoax spread in North America largely as backlash against recognition of [[gender variance]] in schools.<ref name="msnbc">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Hayes |date=October 7, 2022 |title=How a viral hoax about furries became fodder for the GOP's moral panic |work=[[MSNBC]] |url=https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/why-republicans-pretend-schools-are-setting-litterboxes-students-n1299399 |access-date=October 7, 2022}}</ref><ref name="eganville" /><ref name="panic" /><ref name="renfrew" |
The hoax spread in North America largely as backlash against recognition of [[gender variance]] in schools.<ref name="msnbc">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Hayes |date=October 7, 2022 |title=How a viral hoax about furries became fodder for the GOP's moral panic |work=[[MSNBC]] |url=https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/why-republicans-pretend-schools-are-setting-litterboxes-students-n1299399 |access-date=October 7, 2022}}</ref><ref name="eganville" /><ref name="panic" /><ref name="renfrew" /> Some conservative politicians and activists argued that protections for [[LGBTQ+]] students in schools had "gone too far" and that litter box accommodations are what they might lead to next,<ref name="examiner" /><ref name="mlbrown" /> despite there being no confirmed instances of schools providing litter boxes for students who dress up as cats or furries to defecate or urinate in, or planning to do so.<ref name="nbcnews" /><ref name="vance" /> |
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==Background== |
==Background== |
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[[File:Furry Migration-Fursuit Parade-10.jpg|thumb|People in [[fursuit]]s]] |
[[File:Furry Migration-Fursuit Parade-10.jpg|thumb|People in [[fursuit]]s]] |
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According to Lynn McNeill, a [[folklore]] researcher at [[Utah State University]], false rumors of furries using litter boxes date back to at least the early 2000s as satire. The rumors became a recurring urban legend.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCollum |first=Charles |date=March 16, 2022 |title=Folklorist: Sky View High School litter box rumor follows pattern of 'urban legends' |work=[[The Herald Journal]] |url=https://www.hjnews.com/news/local/folklorist-sky-view-high-school-litter-box-rumor-follows-pattern-of-urban-legends/article_4724dc9c-e0e5-5793-a378-abdf403129d5.html |access-date=October 10, 2022}}</ref> Sharon Roberts, a faculty member at [[Renison University College]] and co-founder of a furry research group called Furscience, had not in a decade of research of furry conventions encountered instances of litter boxes being requested.<ref name="nbcnews" /> |
According to Lynn McNeill, a [[folklore]] researcher at [[Utah State University]], false rumors of furries using litter boxes date back to at least the early 2000s as satire. The rumors became a recurring urban legend.<ref>{{Cite news |last=McCollum |first=Charles |date=March 16, 2022 |title=Folklorist: Sky View High School litter box rumor follows pattern of 'urban legends' |work=[[The Herald Journal]] |url=https://www.hjnews.com/news/local/folklorist-sky-view-high-school-litter-box-rumor-follows-pattern-of-urban-legends/article_4724dc9c-e0e5-5793-a378-abdf403129d5.html |access-date=October 10, 2022}}</ref> Sharon Roberts, a faculty member at [[Renison University College]] and co-founder of a furry research group called Furscience, had not in a decade of research of furry conventions encountered instances of litter boxes being requested.<ref name="nbcnews">{{Cite news |last1=Kingkade |first1=Tyler |last2=Goggin |first2=Ben Goggin |last3=Zadrozny |first3=Brandy |author-link3=Brandy Zadrozny |date=October 14, 2022 |title=How an urban myth about litter boxes in schools became a GOP talking point |work=[[NBC News]] |url=https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/misinformation/urban-myth-litter-boxes-schools-became-gop-talking-point-rcna51439 |access-date=October 14, 2022}}</ref> |
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In the 2010s and 2020s, social media platforms such as [[YouTube]] and TikTok helped give rise to the growth in the popularity of a [[furry fandom]] subculture. Many of the people who participate in the trend viewed the wearing of anthropomorphic animal costumes and related art as a hobby, similar to [[Comic book convention|Comic-Con]] events, and did not actually identify as animals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Factora |first=James |date=October 5, 2022 |title=Conservatives Are Obsessed With This Lie About Students Identifying as Furries |url=https://www.them.us/story/conservatives-obsessed-furries-lie-lgbtq-students |access-date=October 7, 2022 |website=[[Them (website)|Them]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=September 24, 2021 |title=Let's Talk About Furries |url=https://oursaferschools.co.uk/2021/09/24/furries/ |access-date=October 7, 2022 |website=Safer Schools (UK) |language=en-US}}</ref> Inside some public schools in the United States, the furry fandom trend and students dressing up and acting like cats like had resulted in instances of tension between students and administrators about clothing attire and social behavior.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Geschke |first=Will |date=September 28, 2022 |title=Roseburg Public Schools responds to 'furry' controversy |work=[[The News-Review]] |url=https://www.nrtoday.com/news/education/roseburg-public-schools-responds-to-furry-controversy/article_848c3b10-4041-5a51-8492-f93bc83481eb.html |access-date=October 7, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Puente |first=Nathaniel |date=October 3, 2022 |title='Furry' costume ban proposed by Iredell-Statesville school board |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/furry-costume-ban-proposed-by-iredell-statesville-school-board-animal-costumes-north-carolina-dress-code-change-tiktok-viral/275-f47cf769-b3ca-4924-a114-ad292f511d85 |access-date=October 7, 2022 |website=[[WCNC-TV]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="wlky">{{cite web |last=Dolan |first=Julie |date=August 25, 2021 |title=Meade County schools deal with unusual situation: Students dressing and acting like cats |url=https://www.wlky.com/article/meade-county-schools-students-dressing-acting-like-cats/37395934 |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=[[WLKY]]}}</ref> There was no evidence, however, that any schools had provided litter boxes in restrooms for students who participated in the furry trend or dressed up as cats.<ref name="michigan" /><ref name="ap-ny" /><ref name="wlky" /> |
In the 2010s and 2020s, social media platforms such as [[YouTube]] and TikTok helped give rise to the growth in the popularity of a [[furry fandom]] subculture. Many of the people who participate in the trend viewed the wearing of anthropomorphic animal costumes and related art as a hobby, similar to [[Comic book convention|Comic-Con]] events, and did not actually identify as animals.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Factora |first=James |date=October 5, 2022 |title=Conservatives Are Obsessed With This Lie About Students Identifying as Furries |url=https://www.them.us/story/conservatives-obsessed-furries-lie-lgbtq-students |access-date=October 7, 2022 |website=[[Them (website)|Them]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=September 24, 2021 |title=Let's Talk About Furries |url=https://oursaferschools.co.uk/2021/09/24/furries/ |access-date=October 7, 2022 |website=Safer Schools (UK) |language=en-US}}</ref> Inside some public schools in the United States, the furry fandom trend and students dressing up and acting like cats like had resulted in instances of tension between students and administrators about clothing attire and social behavior.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Geschke |first=Will |date=September 28, 2022 |title=Roseburg Public Schools responds to 'furry' controversy |work=[[The News-Review]] |url=https://www.nrtoday.com/news/education/roseburg-public-schools-responds-to-furry-controversy/article_848c3b10-4041-5a51-8492-f93bc83481eb.html |access-date=October 7, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Puente |first=Nathaniel |date=October 3, 2022 |title='Furry' costume ban proposed by Iredell-Statesville school board |url=https://www.wcnc.com/article/news/local/furry-costume-ban-proposed-by-iredell-statesville-school-board-animal-costumes-north-carolina-dress-code-change-tiktok-viral/275-f47cf769-b3ca-4924-a114-ad292f511d85 |access-date=October 7, 2022 |website=[[WCNC-TV]] |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="wlky">{{cite web |last=Dolan |first=Julie |date=August 25, 2021 |title=Meade County schools deal with unusual situation: Students dressing and acting like cats |url=https://www.wlky.com/article/meade-county-schools-students-dressing-acting-like-cats/37395934 |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=[[WLKY]]}}</ref> There was no evidence, however, that any schools had provided litter boxes in restrooms for students who participated in the furry trend or dressed up as cats.<ref name="michigan" /><ref name="ap-ny">{{Cite news |last=Swenson |first=Ali |date=April 7, 2022 |title=Claim about litter boxes in New York school is unfounded |work=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://apnews.com/article/fact-checking-777442211945 |access-date=October 8, 2022}}</ref><ref name="wlky" /> |
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In 2016, American radio show host [[Michael L. Brown]] wrote an opinion piece in ''[[The Christian Post]]'' in opposition to transgender accommodations and gender-affirming medical procedures, and stated, "if we don't stop this downward slide, we might soon be required to provide litter boxes for people who identify as cats."<ref name="mlbrown">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Michael |date=April 21, 2016 |title=Op-Ed: Should We Provide Litter Boxes for People Who Identify as Cats? |work=[[The Christian Post]] |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/should-we-provide-litter-boxes-for-people-who-identify-as-cats.html |access-date=October 28, 2022}}</ref> |
In 2016, American radio show host [[Michael L. Brown]] wrote an opinion piece in ''[[The Christian Post]]'' in opposition to transgender accommodations and gender-affirming medical procedures, and stated, "if we don't stop this downward slide, we might soon be required to provide litter boxes for people who identify as cats."<ref name="mlbrown">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Michael |date=April 21, 2016 |title=Op-Ed: Should We Provide Litter Boxes for People Who Identify as Cats? |work=[[The Christian Post]] |url=https://www.christianpost.com/news/should-we-provide-litter-boxes-for-people-who-identify-as-cats.html |access-date=October 28, 2022}}</ref> |
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Unsubstantiated rumors surfaced in [[Prince Edward Island]] in October 2021, possibly as a joke. After the rumors spread widely in schools and on social media, the [[Public Schools Branch]] denied claims of litter boxes, with the director of the school district saying "It seemed to me like it was a backlash against some of the progressive things that our schools are doing, and we would have many that would say this is rooted in hate".<ref name="pei-psb">{{Cite news |last=Ross |first=Shane |date=October 20, 2021 |title=Rumours about students identifying as cats are rooted in hate, says P.E.I. Public Schools Branch |work=[[CBC News]] |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-psb-statement-cats-students-1.6218628 |access-date=October 8, 2022}}</ref> |
Unsubstantiated rumors surfaced in [[Prince Edward Island]] in October 2021, possibly as a joke. After the rumors spread widely in schools and on social media, the [[Public Schools Branch]] denied claims of litter boxes, with the director of the school district saying "It seemed to me like it was a backlash against some of the progressive things that our schools are doing, and we would have many that would say this is rooted in hate".<ref name="pei-psb">{{Cite news |last=Ross |first=Shane |date=October 20, 2021 |title=Rumours about students identifying as cats are rooted in hate, says P.E.I. Public Schools Branch |work=[[CBC News]] |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-psb-statement-cats-students-1.6218628 |access-date=October 8, 2022}}</ref> |
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As the hoax spread widely in the United States and garnered media attention, online rumors spread to several other Canadian provinces and schools.<ref name="durham" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rushowy |first=Kristin |date=October 30, 2022 |title=Litter boxes for students in bathrooms? Schools scramble to get ahead of 'furry' internet hoax |work=[[Toronto Star]] |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2022/10/30/litter-boxes-for-students-in-bathrooms-schools-scramble-to-get-ahead-of-furry-internet-hoax.html |access-date=November 2, 2022}}</ref> In September 2022, [[Durham District School Board]] in [[Ontario]] denied rumors and said they "may be rooted in transphobia and homophobia with the intent to diminish and trivialize gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation and cause harm to students and staff who identify as 2SLGBTQI".{{efn|name=2SLGBTQI|"2SLGBTQI" is the acronym for [[two-spirit]], [[lesbian]], [[gay]], [[bisexual]], [[transgender]], [[queer]], [[Questioning (sexuality and gender)|questioning]], [[intersex]].}}<ref name="durham" /> In October 2022, in response to a letter that was sent to local media, administrators for the [[Renfrew County District School Board]] or [[Renfrew County Catholic District School Board]] in Ontario issued statements that their schools "do not have, and have never had, litter boxes in any of our elementary or secondary sites".<ref name="eganville" /> A school official said there was a request for kitty litter in one school, but it was denied by the school board and that they did not recognize animal identities.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 18, 2022 |title=Students in local schools identify as animals but no litter boxes exist |work=Eaganville Leader |url=https://www.eganvilleleader.ca/breaking-news/6799/ |access-date=October 22, 2022}}</ref> The same month, the education director of the [[Lambton Kent District School Board|Lambton-Kent District School Board]] dispelled litter box rumors.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Shweta |date=October 13, 2022 |title=Lambton school trustee candidate buys into urban myth of students "presenting as cats" |work=[[The Independent]] |url=https://petrolialambtonindependent.ca/2022/10/13/lambton-school-trustee-candidate-buys-into-urban-myth-of-students-presenting-as-cats/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lambton-school-trustee-candidate-buys-into-urban-myth-of-students-presenting-as-cats |access-date=October 14, 2022}}</ref> |
As the hoax spread widely in the United States and garnered media attention, online rumors spread to several other Canadian provinces and schools.<ref name="durham">{{Cite web |date=October 4, 2022 |title=DDSB among boards quashing online rumours litter boxes have been added to washrooms |url=https://www.durhamradionews.com/archives/160141 |access-date=October 5, 2022 |website=Durham Radio News |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Rushowy |first=Kristin |date=October 30, 2022 |title=Litter boxes for students in bathrooms? Schools scramble to get ahead of 'furry' internet hoax |work=[[Toronto Star]] |url=https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2022/10/30/litter-boxes-for-students-in-bathrooms-schools-scramble-to-get-ahead-of-furry-internet-hoax.html |access-date=November 2, 2022}}</ref> In September 2022, [[Durham District School Board]] in [[Ontario]] denied rumors and said they "may be rooted in transphobia and homophobia with the intent to diminish and trivialize gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation and cause harm to students and staff who identify as 2SLGBTQI".{{efn|name=2SLGBTQI|"2SLGBTQI" is the acronym for [[two-spirit]], [[lesbian]], [[gay]], [[bisexual]], [[transgender]], [[queer]], [[Questioning (sexuality and gender)|questioning]], [[intersex]].}}<ref name="durham" /> In October 2022, in response to a letter that was sent to local media, administrators for the [[Renfrew County District School Board]] or [[Renfrew County Catholic District School Board]] in Ontario issued statements that their schools "do not have, and have never had, litter boxes in any of our elementary or secondary sites".<ref name="eganville">{{Cite news |date=October 11, 2022 |title=No litter boxes in local schools |work=Eganville Leader |url=https://www.eganvilleleader.ca/breaking-news/no-litter-boxes-in-local-schools/ |access-date=October 12, 2022}}</ref> A school official said there was a request for kitty litter in one school, but it was denied by the school board and that they did not recognize animal identities.<ref>{{Cite news |date=October 18, 2022 |title=Students in local schools identify as animals but no litter boxes exist |work=Eaganville Leader |url=https://www.eganvilleleader.ca/breaking-news/6799/ |access-date=October 22, 2022}}</ref> The same month, the education director of the [[Lambton Kent District School Board|Lambton-Kent District School Board]] dispelled litter box rumors.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Sharma |first=Shweta |date=October 13, 2022 |title=Lambton school trustee candidate buys into urban myth of students "presenting as cats" |work=[[The Independent]] |url=https://petrolialambtonindependent.ca/2022/10/13/lambton-school-trustee-candidate-buys-into-urban-myth-of-students-presenting-as-cats/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lambton-school-trustee-candidate-buys-into-urban-myth-of-students-presenting-as-cats |access-date=October 14, 2022}}</ref> |
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By November 2022, school officials for several other Canadian provinces released statements refuting rumors that litter boxes were being provided in schools.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Ray |date=November 8, 2022 |title=There are no human-size litter boxes in CCRCE schools |url=https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/communities/there-are-no-human-size-litter-boxes-in-ccrce-schools-100792624/ |access-date=November 9, 2022 |website=[[SaltWire]] |language=en}}</ref> |
By November 2022, school officials for several other Canadian provinces released statements refuting rumors that litter boxes were being provided in schools.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Burns |first=Ray |date=November 8, 2022 |title=There are no human-size litter boxes in CCRCE schools |url=https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/communities/there-are-no-human-size-litter-boxes-in-ccrce-schools-100792624/ |access-date=November 9, 2022 |website=[[SaltWire]] |language=en}}</ref> |
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In April 2022, a satirical post of a fake e-mail went viral, claiming that [[Kokomo High School]] in [[Indiana]] was allowing students identifying as animals to have "special accommodations and certain privileges", including litter boxes in bathrooms. [[Associated Press]] reported that the post was shared more than 10,000 times. The school's principal confirmed the post was fake.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2022 |title=Post about Indiana school's 'otherkin' policy is satirical |url=https://apnews.com/article/Fact-Check-Fake-Indiana-School-Email-109748870442 |access-date=September 5, 2022 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |first=Spencer |last=Durham |title=Fake post about litter boxes at KHS goes viral |url=https://www.kokomotribune.com/news/school_news/fake-post-about-litter-boxes-at-khs-goes-viral/article_c4ef1e90-c7f5-11ec-b3d6-efb04e5e684c.html |access-date=September 5, 2022 |date=April 29, 2022 |newspaper=[[Kokomo Tribune]] |language=en}}</ref> In [[New York (state)|New York]], administrators for [[Dansville, Steuben County, New York|Dansville]] Central School refuted litter box rumors after an Instagram post received thousands of views.<ref name="ap-ny" /> Later in the same month, two Republican lawmakers in the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]], [[Steve Drazkowski]] and [[Tim Miller (politician)|Tim Miller]], repeated debunked stories about schools providing litter boxes in a debate about a statewide student survey.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Eischens |first=Rilyn |date=April 28, 2022 |title=Republicans falsely claim schools are providing litter boxes for students identifying as cats |work=[[Minnesota Reformer]] |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/republicans-falsely-claim-schools-are-providing-litter-boxes-for-students-identifying-as-cats/ |access-date=April 28, 2022}}</ref> School board candidates in [[Arkansas]], Tennessee, and [[North Dakota]] also made unverified claims about litter boxes being provided in schools.<ref name="nbcnews" /> |
In April 2022, a satirical post of a fake e-mail went viral, claiming that [[Kokomo High School]] in [[Indiana]] was allowing students identifying as animals to have "special accommodations and certain privileges", including litter boxes in bathrooms. [[Associated Press]] reported that the post was shared more than 10,000 times. The school's principal confirmed the post was fake.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 29, 2022 |title=Post about Indiana school's 'otherkin' policy is satirical |url=https://apnews.com/article/Fact-Check-Fake-Indiana-School-Email-109748870442 |access-date=September 5, 2022 |website=AP NEWS |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |first=Spencer |last=Durham |title=Fake post about litter boxes at KHS goes viral |url=https://www.kokomotribune.com/news/school_news/fake-post-about-litter-boxes-at-khs-goes-viral/article_c4ef1e90-c7f5-11ec-b3d6-efb04e5e684c.html |access-date=September 5, 2022 |date=April 29, 2022 |newspaper=[[Kokomo Tribune]] |language=en}}</ref> In [[New York (state)|New York]], administrators for [[Dansville, Steuben County, New York|Dansville]] Central School refuted litter box rumors after an Instagram post received thousands of views.<ref name="ap-ny" /> Later in the same month, two Republican lawmakers in the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]], [[Steve Drazkowski]] and [[Tim Miller (politician)|Tim Miller]], repeated debunked stories about schools providing litter boxes in a debate about a statewide student survey.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Eischens |first=Rilyn |date=April 28, 2022 |title=Republicans falsely claim schools are providing litter boxes for students identifying as cats |work=[[Minnesota Reformer]] |url=https://minnesotareformer.com/briefs/republicans-falsely-claim-schools-are-providing-litter-boxes-for-students-identifying-as-cats/ |access-date=April 28, 2022}}</ref> School board candidates in [[Arkansas]], Tennessee, and [[North Dakota]] also made unverified claims about litter boxes being provided in schools.<ref name="nbcnews" /> |
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In May 2022, during a televised debate on a bill in the [[Nebraska legislature]], the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] state senator [[Bruce Bostelman]] claimed that "schools are wanting to put litter boxes in the schools" for students who were furries. A few hours after, the state senator retracted his claim and apologized, having gained backlash online.<ref name="nebraska">{{Cite news |last=Peiser |first=Jaclyn Peiser |date=March 29, 2022 |title=GOP legislator backtracks on claims students meow, bark, use litter boxes |language=en-US |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/03/29/furries-litter-box-nebraska-bostelman/ |access-date=September 5, 2022 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schulte |first=Grant |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Nebraska lawmaker apologizes for debunked litter box claim |work=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-lincoln-316c87249779706d6d78b58641c4a75e |access-date=October 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Baska |first=Maggie |date=March 29, 2022 |title=Republican senator apologises for pedalling 'ugly' rumour about furries and litter boxes |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2022/03/29/bruce-bostelman-furries-litter-box-school-nebraska/ |access-date=September 5, 2022 |website=PinkNews |language=en-GB}}</ref> In Iowa, Republican state senator [[Tim Kraayenbrink]] said at a public forum that schools were putting litter boxes in schools for furries to use. He later said that he had not verified the claim was true prior to sharing it.<ref name="nbcnews" /> By that same month, local school officials in [[Maine]] and [[Vermont]] had also dispelled litter box rumors.<ref name="maine" /> |
In May 2022, during a televised debate on a bill in the [[Nebraska legislature]], the [[Republican Party (United States)|Republican]] state senator [[Bruce Bostelman]] claimed that "schools are wanting to put litter boxes in the schools" for students who were furries. A few hours after, the state senator retracted his claim and apologized, having gained backlash online.<ref name="nebraska">{{Cite news |last=Peiser |first=Jaclyn Peiser |date=March 29, 2022 |title=GOP legislator backtracks on claims students meow, bark, use litter boxes |language=en-US |newspaper=[[Washington Post]] |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2022/03/29/furries-litter-box-nebraska-bostelman/ |access-date=September 5, 2022 |issn=0190-8286}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Schulte |first=Grant |date=March 28, 2022 |title=Nebraska lawmaker apologizes for debunked litter box claim |work=[[Associated Press]] |url=https://apnews.com/article/nebraska-lincoln-316c87249779706d6d78b58641c4a75e |access-date=October 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Baska |first=Maggie |date=March 29, 2022 |title=Republican senator apologises for pedalling 'ugly' rumour about furries and litter boxes |url=https://www.pinknews.co.uk/2022/03/29/bruce-bostelman-furries-litter-box-school-nebraska/ |access-date=September 5, 2022 |website=PinkNews |language=en-GB}}</ref> In Iowa, Republican state senator [[Tim Kraayenbrink]] said at a public forum that schools were putting litter boxes in schools for furries to use. He later said that he had not verified the claim was true prior to sharing it.<ref name="nbcnews" /> By that same month, local school officials in [[Maine]] and [[Vermont]] had also dispelled litter box rumors.<ref name="maine">{{Cite web |last=Russell |first=Lia |date=May 20, 2022 |title=No, Maine students aren't using litter boxes in school |url=https://fox23maine.com/no-maine-students-arent-using-litter-boxes-in-school-misinformation-brewer-school-department-tiktok-false-allegations-furries |access-date=October 8, 2022 |website=[[WPFO]]}}</ref> |
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In June 2022, social media posts in [[Hannibal, Missouri]], falsely claimed that the school district was placing water bowls and cat litter boxes in school restrooms and that the issue would be discussed at an upcoming board meeting. In response, the superintendent of the school board visited every bathroom in the district, and verified at the meeting that the rumors were untrue.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dewey |first=Jim |date=June 16, 2022 |title=Hannibal School Board adopts vaping policy and learns its school restrooms are furry-free |work=Muddy River News |url=https://muddyrivernews.com/noteworthy/hannibal-school-board-adopts-vaping-policy-and-learns-its-school-restrooms-are-furry-free/20220616064326/ |access-date=October 14, 2022}}</ref> |
In June 2022, social media posts in [[Hannibal, Missouri]], falsely claimed that the school district was placing water bowls and cat litter boxes in school restrooms and that the issue would be discussed at an upcoming board meeting. In response, the superintendent of the school board visited every bathroom in the district, and verified at the meeting that the rumors were untrue.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Dewey |first=Jim |date=June 16, 2022 |title=Hannibal School Board adopts vaping policy and learns its school restrooms are furry-free |work=Muddy River News |url=https://muddyrivernews.com/noteworthy/hannibal-school-board-adopts-vaping-policy-and-learns-its-school-restrooms-are-furry-free/20220616064326/ |access-date=October 14, 2022}}</ref> |
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In October 2022, [[Illinois]] Republican congressional candidate in the [[Illinois's 11th congressional district|11th district]] Catalina Lauf reacted to a [[CNN]] news story about Jensen's false claim, saying on Twitter, "...this is not a hoax and is happening in schools in Illinois, too".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lauf |first=Catalina |date=October 3, 2022 |title=Replying to @KFILEAndrew — with all due respect, this is not a hoax and is happening in schools in Illinois, too. |url=https://twitter.com/catalinalauf/status/1577001851698155520 |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=[[Twitter]] |language=en}}</ref> When confronted by local media to validate the claim, Lauf instead criticized a state policy to provide free [[menstrual hygiene products]] in schools and teachers who refer to children by their [[Preferred pronouns|preferred gender pronouns]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lissau |first=Bill |date=October 5, 2022 |title=Republican congressional candidate Lauf stands by debunked claim about schools and litter boxes |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)]] |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20221005/republican-congressional-candidate-lauf-stands-by-debunked-claim-about-schools-and-litter-boxes |access-date=October 6, 2022}}</ref> At a campaign event, congresswoman [[Lauren Boebert]] alleged that litter boxes were being provided to students who identify as cats in [[Durango, Colorado]], which administrators for the local school district said were untrue.<ref name="durango">{{Cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Sharon |date=October 4, 2022 |title='They Are Putting Litter Boxes in Schools for People Who Identify As Cats,' Says Boebert. 'Not True,' Responds Durango School District |work=Colorado Times Recorder |url=https://coloradotimesrecorder.com/2022/10/they-are-putting-litter-boxes-in-schools-for-people-who-identify-as-cats-says-boebert-not-true-responds-durango-school-district/49272/ |access-date=October 8, 2022}}</ref><ref name="nbcnews" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Niemietz |first=Brian |date=October 5, 2022 |title=Rep. Lauren Boebert not a shoo-in for November race: poll |work=[[New York Daily News]] |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-lauren-boebert-colorado-poll-close-race-20221005-t5qxxpseibfdrmmqkpkpkwoqua-story.html |access-date=October 14, 2022}}</ref> In [[North Carolina]], Iredell-Statesville Schools considered a ban on students wearing furry costumes, in part due to the burden of staff having to refute unsubstantiated rumors about litter boxes in restrooms.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Heiberger |first=Sydney |date=October 12, 2022 |title=North Carolina school district discussing 'furry' ban amid hoax calls about students dressing as animals |work=[[WGHP]] |url=https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/north-carolina-school-district-discussing-furry-ban-amid-hoax-calls-about-students-dressing-as-animals/ |access-date=October 12, 2022}}</ref> The school district, along with nearby [[Lincoln County Schools (North Carolina)|Lincoln County Schools]], said there was no evidence of litter boxes being used on campuses.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Evan |date=October 21, 2022 |title=Fact check: Are there litter boxes in NC schools for students dressed as furries? |pages=October 24, 2022 |work=[[Charlotte Observer]] |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article267609037.html}}</ref> While interviewing [[Tulsi Gabbard]] on his [[Spotify]] show, [[Joe Rogan]] shared a rumor that a school was providing a litter box for a student that identified as a cat. Rogan offered no evidence to support the claim,<ref name="reuters">{{Cite news |date=October 18, 2022 |title=Fact Check-No evidence of schools accommodating 'furries' with litter boxes |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-furries-rogan-litterbox/fact-check-no-evidence-of-schools-accommodating-furries-with-litter-boxes-idUSL1N31J1KT |access-date=October 25, 2022}}</ref> which was circulated on social media and shared on Instagram by the Libs of TikTok account.<ref name="nbcnews" /><ref name="rogan">{{Cite web |last=Villarreal |first=Daniel |title=Joe Rogan tells Tulsi Gabbard that there are litter boxes in school bathrooms for furries |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/10/joe-rogan-tells-tulsi-gabbard-litter-boxes-school-bathrooms-furries/ |access-date=October 14, 2022 |date=October 13, 2022 |website=LGBTQ Nation}}</ref> Rogan said in an interview with ''[[Uproxx]]'' several weeks later that "it doesn't seem that there's any proof that they put a litter box in there", but also claimed that "there w[ere] discussions about doing it because there was one particularly wacky mother".<ref name="rogan-no-proof">{{Cite web |last=Redmond |first=Mike |date=November 2, 2022 |title=Joe Rogan (Kinda) Admitted Schools Aren't Installing Litter Boxes |url=https://uproxx.com/viral/joe-rogan-litter-box-public-school-restrooms-no-proof/ |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=[[Uproxx]] |language=en-US}}</ref> During an interview with Ohio Republican Senate candidate [[J. D. Vance|J.D. Vance]], Christian talk show host [[Bill Cunningham (talk show host)|Bill Cunningham]] said that schools were providing litter boxes for students to defecate in.<ref name="vance">{{Cite news |date=October 14, 2022 |title=OH-Sen: J.D. Vance (R) Demands Schools Notify Parents If Their Kids Identify As Chipmunks |work=[[Daily Kos]] |url=https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/10/14/2128959/-OH-Sen-J-D-Vance-R-Demands-Schools-Notify-Parents-If-Their-Kids-Identify-As-Chipmunkst |access-date=October 14, 2022}}</ref> During a tele-town hall with U.S. Senator [[Ron Johnson (Wisconsin politician)|Ron Johnson]] of Wisconsin, a participant shared a rumor that litter boxes were being placed in [[West Bend, Wisconsin|West Bend]] schools.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Eberwein |first=Richard |date=October 26, 2022 |title=Ron Johnson goes on transphobic rant, says trans teens 'think weird things' and are going through 'phases' |work=[[WCPT (AM)]] |url=https://heartlandsignal.com/2022/10/26/ron-johnson-goes-on-transphobic-rant-says-trans-teens-think-weird-things-and-are-going-through-phases/ |access-date=October 28, 2022}}</ref> |
In October 2022, [[Illinois]] Republican congressional candidate in the [[Illinois's 11th congressional district|11th district]] Catalina Lauf reacted to a [[CNN]] news story about Jensen's false claim, saying on Twitter, "...this is not a hoax and is happening in schools in Illinois, too".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lauf |first=Catalina |date=October 3, 2022 |title=Replying to @KFILEAndrew — with all due respect, this is not a hoax and is happening in schools in Illinois, too. |url=https://twitter.com/catalinalauf/status/1577001851698155520 |access-date=October 6, 2022 |website=[[Twitter]] |language=en}}</ref> When confronted by local media to validate the claim, Lauf instead criticized a state policy to provide free [[menstrual hygiene products]] in schools and teachers who refer to children by their [[Preferred pronouns|preferred gender pronouns]].<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lissau |first=Bill |date=October 5, 2022 |title=Republican congressional candidate Lauf stands by debunked claim about schools and litter boxes |work=[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, Illinois)]] |url=https://www.dailyherald.com/news/20221005/republican-congressional-candidate-lauf-stands-by-debunked-claim-about-schools-and-litter-boxes |access-date=October 6, 2022}}</ref> At a campaign event, congresswoman [[Lauren Boebert]] alleged that litter boxes were being provided to students who identify as cats in [[Durango, Colorado]], which administrators for the local school district said were untrue.<ref name="durango">{{Cite news |last=Sullivan |first=Sharon |date=October 4, 2022 |title='They Are Putting Litter Boxes in Schools for People Who Identify As Cats,' Says Boebert. 'Not True,' Responds Durango School District |work=Colorado Times Recorder |url=https://coloradotimesrecorder.com/2022/10/they-are-putting-litter-boxes-in-schools-for-people-who-identify-as-cats-says-boebert-not-true-responds-durango-school-district/49272/ |access-date=October 8, 2022}}</ref><ref name="nbcnews" /><ref>{{Cite news |last=Niemietz |first=Brian |date=October 5, 2022 |title=Rep. Lauren Boebert not a shoo-in for November race: poll |work=[[New York Daily News]] |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/ny-lauren-boebert-colorado-poll-close-race-20221005-t5qxxpseibfdrmmqkpkpkwoqua-story.html |access-date=October 14, 2022}}</ref> In [[North Carolina]], Iredell-Statesville Schools considered a ban on students wearing furry costumes, in part due to the burden of staff having to refute unsubstantiated rumors about litter boxes in restrooms.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Heiberger |first=Sydney |date=October 12, 2022 |title=North Carolina school district discussing 'furry' ban amid hoax calls about students dressing as animals |work=[[WGHP]] |url=https://myfox8.com/news/north-carolina/north-carolina-school-district-discussing-furry-ban-amid-hoax-calls-about-students-dressing-as-animals/ |access-date=October 12, 2022}}</ref> The school district, along with nearby [[Lincoln County Schools (North Carolina)|Lincoln County Schools]], said there was no evidence of litter boxes being used on campuses.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Moore |first=Evan |date=October 21, 2022 |title=Fact check: Are there litter boxes in NC schools for students dressed as furries? |pages=October 24, 2022 |work=[[Charlotte Observer]] |url=https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/local/article267609037.html}}</ref> While interviewing [[Tulsi Gabbard]] on his [[Spotify]] show, [[Joe Rogan]] shared a rumor that a school was providing a litter box for a student that identified as a cat. Rogan offered no evidence to support the claim,<ref name="reuters">{{Cite news |date=October 18, 2022 |title=Fact Check-No evidence of schools accommodating 'furries' with litter boxes |work=[[Reuters]] |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/factcheck-furries-rogan-litterbox/fact-check-no-evidence-of-schools-accommodating-furries-with-litter-boxes-idUSL1N31J1KT |access-date=October 25, 2022}}</ref> which was circulated on social media and shared on Instagram by the Libs of TikTok account.<ref name="nbcnews" /><ref name="rogan">{{Cite web |last=Villarreal |first=Daniel |title=Joe Rogan tells Tulsi Gabbard that there are litter boxes in school bathrooms for furries |url=https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2022/10/joe-rogan-tells-tulsi-gabbard-litter-boxes-school-bathrooms-furries/ |access-date=October 14, 2022 |date=October 13, 2022 |website=LGBTQ Nation}}</ref> Rogan said in an interview with ''[[Uproxx]]'' several weeks later that "it doesn't seem that there's any proof that they put a litter box in there", but also claimed that "there w[ere] discussions about doing it because there was one particularly wacky mother".<ref name="rogan-no-proof">{{Cite web |last=Redmond |first=Mike |date=November 2, 2022 |title=Joe Rogan (Kinda) Admitted Schools Aren't Installing Litter Boxes |url=https://uproxx.com/viral/joe-rogan-litter-box-public-school-restrooms-no-proof/ |access-date=November 3, 2022 |website=[[Uproxx]] |language=en-US}}</ref> During an interview with Ohio Republican Senate candidate [[J. D. Vance|J.D. Vance]], Christian talk show host [[Bill Cunningham (talk show host)|Bill Cunningham]] said that schools were providing litter boxes for students to defecate in.<ref name="vance">{{Cite news |date=October 14, 2022 |title=OH-Sen: J.D. Vance (R) Demands Schools Notify Parents If Their Kids Identify As Chipmunks |work=[[Daily Kos]] |url=https://www.dailykos.com/stories/2022/10/14/2128959/-OH-Sen-J-D-Vance-R-Demands-Schools-Notify-Parents-If-Their-Kids-Identify-As-Chipmunkst |access-date=October 14, 2022}}</ref> During a tele-town hall with U.S. Senator [[Ron Johnson (Wisconsin politician)|Ron Johnson]] of Wisconsin, a participant shared a rumor that litter boxes were being placed in [[West Bend, Wisconsin|West Bend]] schools.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Eberwein |first=Richard |date=October 26, 2022 |title=Ron Johnson goes on transphobic rant, says trans teens 'think weird things' and are going through 'phases' |work=[[WCPT (AM)]] |url=https://heartlandsignal.com/2022/10/26/ron-johnson-goes-on-transphobic-rant-says-trans-teens-think-weird-things-and-are-going-through-phases/ |access-date=October 28, 2022}}</ref> |
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While speaking to supporters at a campaign event, retired brigadier general and United States Senate candidate [[Donald C. Bolduc|Don Bolduc]] alleged schools were providing litter boxes to students who dress up as furries and cats.<ref name="new-hampshire" /> In November 2022, Bolduc said during a televised debate that the burden was on the school to proof that litter boxes were not being used;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/11/02/new-hampshire-senate-hassan-bolduc-debate-election/10607547002/ |title=New Hampshire Senate race: Maggie Hassan, Don Bolduc debate abortion, inflation, energy - recap |last1=Looker |first1=Rachel |last2=Jackson |first2=David |last3=Tran |first3=Ken |last4=Porter |first4=Steven |last5=Lenahan| first5=Ian |date=November 2, 2022 |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref> the school named by Bolduc confirmed it was a false allegation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Larson |first=Shannon |date=November 4, 2022 |title=N.H. school officials push back after Bolduc repeats hoax about kids using litter boxes |work=[[Boston Globe]] |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/11/04/nation/nh-school-officials-push-back-after-bolduc-repeats-hoax-about-kids-using-litter-boxes/ |access-date=November 11, 2022}}</ref> Several school officials in [[San Luis Obispo County, California]], had to refute false litter box rumors, which may have emanated from the promulgation of the hoax by radio show host Joe Rogan.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shuman |first=Mackenzie |date=November 1, 2022 |title=Fact check: Do SLO County schools have litter boxes for students identifying as 'furries'? |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/education/article268151602.html |access-date=November 3, 2022}}</ref> Rogan subsequently admitted to spreading misinformation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/nov/04/joe-rogan-school-litter-boxes-kids-furries-gender |title=Joe Rogan admits schools don't have litter boxes for kids who 'identify' as furries: Podcast host had amplified debunked claim about furries spread by Republican politicians |last=Demopoulos |first=Alaina |date=November 4, 2022|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref> As he endorsed two local school board candidates, [[Indiana]] Republican state representative [[Robert Morris (Indiana politician)|Robert Morris]] falsely claimed schools were providing "litter boxes in bathrooms for students identifying as animals".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gilsinger |first=Christine |date=November 3, 2022 |title=Rep. Bob Morris cites 'litter box' myth in school board endorsement |work=[[The Journal Gazette]] |url=https://www.journalgazette.net/local/indiana/statehouse/rep-bob-morris-cites-litter-box-myth-in-school-board-endorsement/article_a5c339ca-5b02-11ed-ba2b-e3f98fe50db1.html |access-date=November 3, 2022}}</ref> |
While speaking to supporters at a campaign event, retired brigadier general and United States Senate candidate [[Donald C. Bolduc|Don Bolduc]] alleged schools were providing litter boxes to students who dress up as furries and cats.<ref name="new-hampshire">{{Cite web |last=Kaczynski |first=Andrew |date=October 29, 2022 |title=GOP New Hampshire Senate nominee repeats hoax that kids are using litter boxes in schools {{!}} CNN Politics |url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/10/29/politics/kfile-republican-nominee-new-hampshire/index.html |access-date=October 30, 2022 |website=[[CNN]] |language=en}}</ref> In November 2022, Bolduc said during a televised debate that the burden was on the school to proof that litter boxes were not being used;<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/elections/2022/11/02/new-hampshire-senate-hassan-bolduc-debate-election/10607547002/ |title=New Hampshire Senate race: Maggie Hassan, Don Bolduc debate abortion, inflation, energy - recap |last1=Looker |first1=Rachel |last2=Jackson |first2=David |last3=Tran |first3=Ken |last4=Porter |first4=Steven |last5=Lenahan| first5=Ian |date=November 2, 2022 |newspaper=USA Today |access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref> the school named by Bolduc confirmed it was a false allegation.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Larson |first=Shannon |date=November 4, 2022 |title=N.H. school officials push back after Bolduc repeats hoax about kids using litter boxes |work=[[Boston Globe]] |url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/2022/11/04/nation/nh-school-officials-push-back-after-bolduc-repeats-hoax-about-kids-using-litter-boxes/ |access-date=November 11, 2022}}</ref> Several school officials in [[San Luis Obispo County, California]], had to refute false litter box rumors, which may have emanated from the promulgation of the hoax by radio show host Joe Rogan.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shuman |first=Mackenzie |date=November 1, 2022 |title=Fact check: Do SLO County schools have litter boxes for students identifying as 'furries'? |work=The Tribune |url=https://www.sanluisobispo.com/news/local/education/article268151602.html |access-date=November 3, 2022}}</ref> Rogan subsequently admitted to spreading misinformation.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2022/nov/04/joe-rogan-school-litter-boxes-kids-furries-gender |title=Joe Rogan admits schools don't have litter boxes for kids who 'identify' as furries: Podcast host had amplified debunked claim about furries spread by Republican politicians |last=Demopoulos |first=Alaina |date=November 4, 2022|newspaper=The Guardian|access-date=November 4, 2022}}</ref> As he endorsed two local school board candidates, [[Indiana]] Republican state representative [[Robert Morris (Indiana politician)|Robert Morris]] falsely claimed schools were providing "litter boxes in bathrooms for students identifying as animals".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gilsinger |first=Christine |date=November 3, 2022 |title=Rep. Bob Morris cites 'litter box' myth in school board endorsement |work=[[The Journal Gazette]] |url=https://www.journalgazette.net/local/indiana/statehouse/rep-bob-morris-cites-litter-box-myth-in-school-board-endorsement/article_a5c339ca-5b02-11ed-ba2b-e3f98fe50db1.html |access-date=November 3, 2022}}</ref> |
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==Fact-checking assessments== |
==Fact-checking assessments== |
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===News media columnists=== |
===News media columnists=== |
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Elizabeth Brown from ''[[Reason (magazine)|Reason]]'' suggested the litter box rumors became popular due to "lin[ing] up perfectly with conservative fears about [[transgender]] and [[Non-binary gender|non-binary]] students".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nolan Brown |first=Elizabeth |date=March 29, 2022 |title=No, Schools Aren't Accommodating Students Who Identify as Animals |url=https://reason.com/2022/03/29/no-schools-arent-accommodating-students-who-identify-as-animals/ |access-date=September 5, 2022 |website=Reason.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Kelly Weill from ''[[The Daily Beast]]'' argued that the politicization of furries in classrooms was a proxy for the broader cultural discussion about race and gender issues.<ref name="panic">{{Cite news |last=Weill |first=Kelly |date=February 1, 2022 |title=Furry Panic Is the Latest Dumb GOP Attack on Public Schools |work=[[Daily Beast]] |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/furry-panic-is-the-latest-dumb-gop-attack-on-public-schools |access-date=October 8, 2022}}</ref> [[Michelle Goldberg]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' argued the rumors were part of a generational conflict over sex and gender identity issues in schools, and compared the rumors to the [[satanic panic]] frenzy of the 1980s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Michelle |date=April 4, 2022 |title=Opinion {{!}} Why Are Seemingly Functional Adults Falling for the 'Furries' Myth? |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/04/opinion/furries-culture-war.html |access-date=October 9, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Columnist [[Gene Lyons]] in a ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' opinion piece compared the litter box hoax to the [[moral panic]]s behind the 16th century [[Werewolf|werewolves]] tales in Germany and the [[Witch-hunt|witch hunts]] of 17th century New England.<ref name="myths" /> Hayes Brown, an [[MSNBC]] opinion columnist, said it was unclear if politicians spreading the rumors actually believed them or not, but that either way the act of repeating the rumors was "to the detriment of trans kids".<ref name="msnbc" /> |
Elizabeth Brown from ''[[Reason (magazine)|Reason]]'' suggested the litter box rumors became popular due to "lin[ing] up perfectly with conservative fears about [[transgender]] and [[Non-binary gender|non-binary]] students".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Nolan Brown |first=Elizabeth |date=March 29, 2022 |title=No, Schools Aren't Accommodating Students Who Identify as Animals |url=https://reason.com/2022/03/29/no-schools-arent-accommodating-students-who-identify-as-animals/ |access-date=September 5, 2022 |website=Reason.com |language=en-US}}</ref> Kelly Weill from ''[[The Daily Beast]]'' argued that the politicization of furries in classrooms was a proxy for the broader cultural discussion about race and gender issues.<ref name="panic">{{Cite news |last=Weill |first=Kelly |date=February 1, 2022 |title=Furry Panic Is the Latest Dumb GOP Attack on Public Schools |work=[[Daily Beast]] |url=https://www.thedailybeast.com/furry-panic-is-the-latest-dumb-gop-attack-on-public-schools |access-date=October 8, 2022}}</ref> [[Michelle Goldberg]] of ''[[The New York Times]]'' argued the rumors were part of a generational conflict over sex and gender identity issues in schools, and compared the rumors to the [[satanic panic]] frenzy of the 1980s.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldberg |first=Michelle |date=April 4, 2022 |title=Opinion {{!}} Why Are Seemingly Functional Adults Falling for the 'Furries' Myth? |language=en-US |work=[[The New York Times]] |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/04/opinion/furries-culture-war.html |access-date=October 9, 2022 |issn=0362-4331}}</ref> Columnist [[Gene Lyons]] in a ''[[Chicago Sun-Times]]'' opinion piece compared the litter box hoax to the [[moral panic]]s behind the 16th century [[Werewolf|werewolves]] tales in Germany and the [[Witch-hunt|witch hunts]] of 17th century New England.<ref name="myths" /> Hayes Brown, an [[MSNBC]] opinion columnist, said it was unclear if politicians spreading the rumors actually believed them or not, but that either way the act of repeating the rumors was "to the detriment of trans kids".<ref name="msnbc">{{Cite news |last=Brown |first=Hayes |date=October 7, 2022 |title=How a viral hoax about furries became fodder for the GOP's moral panic |work=[[MSNBC]] |url=https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/why-republicans-pretend-schools-are-setting-litterboxes-students-n1299399 |access-date=October 7, 2022}}</ref> |
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Ben Cost of the conservative tabloid newspaper ''[[New York Post]]'' said while explaining the history of the Michigan rumors that, "It's load of kitty litter."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cost |first=Ben |date=January 26, 2022 |title=School district denies litter boxes for students identifying as 'furries' |work=[[New York Post]] |url=https://nypost.com/2022/01/26/school-boss-debunks-rumor-that-they-provided-kitty-litter-for-furries/ |access-date=October 15, 2022}}</ref> Christopher Tremoglie of the conservative website ''[[Washington Examiner]]'' said that rumors in mid 2022 of litter boxes in Iowa schools were false. He also said regarding a widely circulated story by the ''[[Herald Sun]]'' [[tabloid newspaper]] about an Australian teenager allowed to act as a cat in class that was never verified,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Puglisi |first=Leonardo |date=August 21, 2022 |title=Herald Sun story about schoolgirl identifying as a cat goes viral but lacks evidence |work=[[6 News Australia]] |url=https://www.6newsau.com/post/herald-sun-story-about-schoolgirl-identifying-as-a-cat-goes-viral-but-lacks-evidence |access-date=November 7, 2022}}</ref> and of the broader discussion of gender identify issues, "This is the world we live in today, and this is the danger created by normalizing transgender delusions in young students who may get over it. The enabling of this behavior is [helping] people with legitimate mental health issues get applause instead of the medical help they truly need."<ref name="examiner">{{Cite news |last=Tremoglie |first=Christopher |date=August 25, 2022 |title=A student identifies as a cat — how stunning and brave |work=[[Washington Examiner]] |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/a-student-identifies-as-a-cat-how-stunning-and-brave |access-date=August 25, 2022}}</ref> |
Ben Cost of the conservative tabloid newspaper ''[[New York Post]]'' said while explaining the history of the Michigan rumors that, "It's load of kitty litter."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Cost |first=Ben |date=January 26, 2022 |title=School district denies litter boxes for students identifying as 'furries' |work=[[New York Post]] |url=https://nypost.com/2022/01/26/school-boss-debunks-rumor-that-they-provided-kitty-litter-for-furries/ |access-date=October 15, 2022}}</ref> Christopher Tremoglie of the conservative website ''[[Washington Examiner]]'' said that rumors in mid 2022 of litter boxes in Iowa schools were false. He also said regarding a widely circulated story by the ''[[Herald Sun]]'' [[tabloid newspaper]] about an Australian teenager allowed to act as a cat in class that was never verified,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Puglisi |first=Leonardo |date=August 21, 2022 |title=Herald Sun story about schoolgirl identifying as a cat goes viral but lacks evidence |work=[[6 News Australia]] |url=https://www.6newsau.com/post/herald-sun-story-about-schoolgirl-identifying-as-a-cat-goes-viral-but-lacks-evidence |access-date=November 7, 2022}}</ref> and of the broader discussion of gender identify issues, "This is the world we live in today, and this is the danger created by normalizing transgender delusions in young students who may get over it. The enabling of this behavior is [helping] people with legitimate mental health issues get applause instead of the medical help they truly need."<ref name="examiner">{{Cite news |last=Tremoglie |first=Christopher |date=August 25, 2022 |title=A student identifies as a cat — how stunning and brave |work=[[Washington Examiner]] |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/opinion/a-student-identifies-as-a-cat-how-stunning-and-brave |access-date=August 25, 2022}}</ref> |
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===LGBTQ+ activists=== |
===LGBTQ+ activists=== |
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Local LGBTQ+ activists in Prince Edward Island said the October 2021 litter box rumors were a form of [[internet trolling]] in an attempt "to make the queer community seem ridiculous, in order to paint all of the community's concerns as absurd".<ref name="pei-schools" /> James Factora, a writer with LGBT news website ''[[Them (website)|Them]]'', compared the litter box hoax to 2020 United States [[Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election|election conspiracy]] theories, stating, "The tactic of repeating a completely baseless lie until it becomes widely accepted as truth has become perhaps the most emblematic rhetorical strategy of the GOP."<ref name="them" /> Geoff Wetrosky of the [[Human Rights Campaign]], said, "The attention this freakish lie has received on social media illustrates the pernicious influence of disinformation and that anti-LGBTQ+ politicians will do and say anything to animate the most extreme fringe—no matter the consequence."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berg-Brousseau |first=Henry |date=October 14, 2022 |title=ICYMI – NBC: 20+ Politicians Promote Bizarre Claim That Youth Are Identifying as Cats |url=https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/icymi-nbc-20-politicians-promote-bizarre-claim-that-youth-are-identifying-as-cats |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Human Rights Campaign]] |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Leigh Finke]], a transgender candidate for the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] in the 2022 election, said about the rumors, "It's a really gross thing no one should have to hear. It is not true. And I don't want to waste my time saying trans kids aren't animals."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stroozas |first=Sam |date=October 3, 2022 |title=Jensen spreads false rumor about Minnesota's LGBTQ+ youth |work=[[Minnesota Public Radio]] |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/10/03/jensen-spreads-false-rumor-about-minnesotas-lgbtq-youth |access-date=October 6, 2022}}</ref> |
Local LGBTQ+ activists in Prince Edward Island said the October 2021 litter box rumors were a form of [[internet trolling]] in an attempt "to make the queer community seem ridiculous, in order to paint all of the community's concerns as absurd".<ref name="pei-schools">{{Cite news |last=MacLean |first=Logan |date=October 22, 2021 |title=False stories of litter boxes in P.E.I. schools meant to ridicule trans community, advocates say |work=[[Saltwire.com]] |url=https://www.saltwire.com/atlantic-canada/news/false-stories-of-litter-boxes-in-pei-schools-meant-to-ridicule-trans-community-advocates-say-100649025/ |access-date=October 8, 2022}}</ref> James Factora, a writer with LGBT news website ''[[Them (website)|Them]]'', compared the litter box hoax to 2020 United States [[Attempts to overturn the 2020 United States presidential election|election conspiracy]] theories, stating, "The tactic of repeating a completely baseless lie until it becomes widely accepted as truth has become perhaps the most emblematic rhetorical strategy of the GOP."<ref name="them" /> Geoff Wetrosky of the [[Human Rights Campaign]], said, "The attention this freakish lie has received on social media illustrates the pernicious influence of disinformation and that anti-LGBTQ+ politicians will do and say anything to animate the most extreme fringe—no matter the consequence."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Berg-Brousseau |first=Henry |date=October 14, 2022 |title=ICYMI – NBC: 20+ Politicians Promote Bizarre Claim That Youth Are Identifying as Cats |url=https://www.hrc.org/press-releases/icymi-nbc-20-politicians-promote-bizarre-claim-that-youth-are-identifying-as-cats |access-date=October 15, 2022 |website=[[Human Rights Campaign]] |language=en-US}}</ref> [[Leigh Finke]], a transgender candidate for the [[Minnesota House of Representatives]] in the 2022 election, said about the rumors, "It's a really gross thing no one should have to hear. It is not true. And I don't want to waste my time saying trans kids aren't animals."<ref>{{Cite news |last=Stroozas |first=Sam |date=October 3, 2022 |title=Jensen spreads false rumor about Minnesota's LGBTQ+ youth |work=[[Minnesota Public Radio]] |url=https://www.mprnews.org/story/2022/10/03/jensen-spreads-false-rumor-about-minnesotas-lgbtq-youth |access-date=October 6, 2022}}</ref> |
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=== Teachers === |
=== Teachers === |
Revision as of 10:20, 25 December 2022
![]() | A request that this article title be changed to Litter box canard is under discussion. Please do not move this article until the discussion is closed. |
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. In 2021 and 2022, various American conservative and far-right politicians and media personalities promoted the hoax in response to several school districts enacting protections for transgender students.[3][4] Many news outlets, fact-checking websites, and academic researchers have debunked such claims,[5][6][7] and officials from every school named by those promoting the hoax have verified that the accusations are false.[8][9] The claims have been described as internet trolling,[10] fearmongering,[2] and anti-transgender rhetoric.[11][12][13][14]
The hoax was reported in Prince Edward Island in October 2021 and initially thought to be a joke, but had to be formally disavowed as misinformation circulated on social media.[15] Rumors spread to other Canadian provinces and schools.[8] In the United States, popular media coverage of the hoax originally revolved around a school in Michigan in December 2021, but spread to schools in several other states. Ahead of the 2022 elections, several prominent American politicians and media personalities spread the hoax, including Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia[11] and Lauren Boebert of Colorado,[16] Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen,[5] retired brigadier general and US Senate candidate Don Bolduc,[17] podcast host Joe Rogan (who later admitted there was no "proof that they put a litter box" in a particular school),[18][19] Chaya Raichik of Libs of TikTok,[6] and Christian talk show host Bill Cunningham.[20] Several parents of school-age children have amplified the hoax on social media websites such as Facebook.[21]
The hoax spread in North America largely as backlash against recognition of gender variance in schools.[22][9][23][21] Some conservative politicians and activists argued that protections for LGBTQ+ students in schools had "gone too far" and that litter box accommodations are what they might lead to next,[24][25] despite there being no confirmed instances of schools providing litter boxes for students who dress up as cats or furries to defecate or urinate in, or planning to do so.[6][20]
Background
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/31/Furry_Migration-Fursuit_Parade-10.jpg/220px-Furry_Migration-Fursuit_Parade-10.jpg)
According to Lynn McNeill, a folklore researcher at Utah State University, false rumors of furries using litter boxes date back to at least the early 2000s as satire. The rumors became a recurring urban legend.[26] Sharon Roberts, a faculty member at Renison University College and co-founder of a furry research group called Furscience, had not in a decade of research of furry conventions encountered instances of litter boxes being requested.[6]
In the 2010s and 2020s, social media platforms such as YouTube and TikTok helped give rise to the growth in the popularity of a furry fandom subculture. Many of the people who participate in the trend viewed the wearing of anthropomorphic animal costumes and related art as a hobby, similar to Comic-Con events, and did not actually identify as animals.[27][28] Inside some public schools in the United States, the furry fandom trend and students dressing up and acting like cats like had resulted in instances of tension between students and administrators about clothing attire and social behavior.[29][30][31] There was no evidence, however, that any schools had provided litter boxes in restrooms for students who participated in the furry trend or dressed up as cats.[32][33][31]
In 2016, American radio show host Michael L. Brown wrote an opinion piece in The Christian Post in opposition to transgender accommodations and gender-affirming medical procedures, and stated, "if we don't stop this downward slide, we might soon be required to provide litter boxes for people who identify as cats."[25]
The litter boxes in schools hoax gained widespread media coverage in Canada and the United States in late 2021 during a period of heightened political tension between school officials and community members, with emotional public debates taking place over COVID-19 pandemic mitigation measures such as distance learning, the concept of critical race theory, and the banning of LGBTQ+ symbols such as pride flags.[34] At the time, high rates of suicide and suicidal ideation among transgender and nonbinary teens were also cause for concern.[35] In 2021 and 2022, many schools in Canada and the United States were engaged in efforts to accommodate students who questioned their gender identities,[15][36] including providing gender-neutral, single occupant bathrooms, and allowing students to use the bathrooms that align with their gender identity.[37] In some U.S. states, cultural backlash against accommodations for transgender students had resulted in book bans and restrictions on support services for LGBTQ+ students.[36][38] Some conservative politicians and media commentators had used false litter box rumors to generate alarm about what accommodations for LGBTQ+ students might lead to.[6]
The only known official instance of kitty litter being placed in school classrooms for potential use by students was in the late 2010s by the Jefferson County Public School District in Colorado, where the 1999 Columbine High School massacre took place. Some teachers were given "go buckets" that contained kitty litter for use in an emergency lockdown situation, such as during a mass shooting event.[39][6][40] Several prank videos about litter boxes being placed in schools have circulated on social media, giving credence to false rumors of litter box accommodations for furries and students who dress up as cats.[7][41]
Timeline
Canada
Unsubstantiated rumors surfaced in Prince Edward Island in October 2021, possibly as a joke. After the rumors spread widely in schools and on social media, the Public Schools Branch denied claims of litter boxes, with the director of the school district saying "It seemed to me like it was a backlash against some of the progressive things that our schools are doing, and we would have many that would say this is rooted in hate".[15]
As the hoax spread widely in the United States and garnered media attention, online rumors spread to several other Canadian provinces and schools.[8][42] In September 2022, Durham District School Board in Ontario denied rumors and said they "may be rooted in transphobia and homophobia with the intent to diminish and trivialize gender identity, gender expression and sexual orientation and cause harm to students and staff who identify as 2SLGBTQI".[a][8] In October 2022, in response to a letter that was sent to local media, administrators for the Renfrew County District School Board or Renfrew County Catholic District School Board in Ontario issued statements that their schools "do not have, and have never had, litter boxes in any of our elementary or secondary sites".[9] A school official said there was a request for kitty litter in one school, but it was denied by the school board and that they did not recognize animal identities.[43] The same month, the education director of the Lambton-Kent District School Board dispelled litter box rumors.[44]
By November 2022, school officials for several other Canadian provinces released statements refuting rumors that litter boxes were being provided in schools.[45]
United States
In December 2021, conservative activist Lisa Hansen[6] in Michigan gave public testimony before the Midland Public Schools school board as it discussed COVID-19 testing requirements for students,[13] claiming she was informed that litter boxes had been added in bathrooms for students who "identify as cats", along with claiming that it was a "nationwide" issue and that there was an "agenda that is being pushed".[46] The rumors later gained traction in January 2022, after a video of the school board meeting was shared by Meshawn Maddock, the co-chair for the Michigan Republican Party, who promoted the rumors.[47] The video was also shared by Libs of TikTok, a politically influential right-wing Twitter account of Chaya Raichik with several hundred-thousand followers.[48][49] The superintendent for the school district of Midland Public Schools described the claims as false, stating "There is no truth whatsoever to this false statement [...] There have never been litter boxes within MPS schools".[47][32][50]
In January 2022, Michelle Evans, a Texan Republican running for congress, claimed that cafeteria tables were "being lowered in certain Round Rock Independent School District middle and high schools to allow 'furries' to more easily eat without utensils or their hands". The school district denied the claims.[51][52]
In February 2022, the Carroll Community School District in Iowa was accused of providing litter boxes for those who identified as cats. The district's superintendent denied this claim, stating "Staff members are not encouraging or accommodating anyone behaving or identifying as a cat or any other animal".[53][54]
In March 2022, a conservative commentator promoted claims that the Waunakee School District in Wisconsin had a "furry protocol" specifying the rules for furries, including being "allowed to dress in their choice of furry costumes" and "choose not to run in gym class but instead sit at the feet of their teacher and lick their paws". Reuters fact-checked the claim, stating there was no evidence for it; the school district also denied the claim.[55][56] In North Dakota, Fargo School Board member Jennifer Benson said litter boxes had been placed in school restrooms, but she declined to present evidence of it when requested by local media, and school officials in Fargo and elsewhere in North Dakota said the claim was the result of false rumors being spread nationally.[57] Despite several rumors in the Midwest being debunked, rumors circulated on internet forums in Cache Valley, Utah, about litter boxes being placed in Sky View High School, which schools officials could not corroborate.[38]
In April 2022, a satirical post of a fake e-mail went viral, claiming that Kokomo High School in Indiana was allowing students identifying as animals to have "special accommodations and certain privileges", including litter boxes in bathrooms. Associated Press reported that the post was shared more than 10,000 times. The school's principal confirmed the post was fake.[58][59] In New York, administrators for Dansville Central School refuted litter box rumors after an Instagram post received thousands of views.[33] Later in the same month, two Republican lawmakers in the Minnesota House of Representatives, Steve Drazkowski and Tim Miller, repeated debunked stories about schools providing litter boxes in a debate about a statewide student survey.[60] School board candidates in Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Dakota also made unverified claims about litter boxes being provided in schools.[6]
In May 2022, during a televised debate on a bill in the Nebraska legislature, the Republican state senator Bruce Bostelman claimed that "schools are wanting to put litter boxes in the schools" for students who were furries. A few hours after, the state senator retracted his claim and apologized, having gained backlash online.[4][61][62] In Iowa, Republican state senator Tim Kraayenbrink said at a public forum that schools were putting litter boxes in schools for furries to use. He later said that he had not verified the claim was true prior to sharing it.[6] By that same month, local school officials in Maine and Vermont had also dispelled litter box rumors.[63]
In June 2022, social media posts in Hannibal, Missouri, falsely claimed that the school district was placing water bowls and cat litter boxes in school restrooms and that the issue would be discussed at an upcoming board meeting. In response, the superintendent of the school board visited every bathroom in the district, and verified at the meeting that the rumors were untrue.[64]
In July 2022, administrators for Meade School District in South Dakota clarified in response to rumors that litter boxes would not be provided to students who self-identify as animals in response to rumors.[65] In Maine, Republican Congressional candidate Ed Thelander repeated the hoax in an interview for a far-right website. When a clip of the interview circulated widely in the media in October, Thelander said, "I don't believe it now", and that he was unable to corroborate the rumors he had heard from others.[66]
In August 2022, rumors of litter boxes were directed at two high schools in South Carolina. Administrators for Horry County Schools said the rumors were part of a nationwide hoax and untrue.[67]
In September 2022, during a rally for former president Donald Trump, congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene promoted the rumors while she was interviewed by RSBN.[11][68] Colorado Republican gubernatorial candidate Heidi Ganahl claimed falsely claimed that schools in the state were recognizing cat identifies of students.[69] Ganahl criticized schools that allowed students to dress up as cats, but she did not claim schools were providing litter boxes.[70] One school in Colorado did admit it had placed buckets of kitty litter in classrooms several years prior for a backup option in the event of an emergency lock down, but there was no evidence of any accommodations for furries in Colorado schools.[71] In Ohio, State Board of Education member Brendan Shea repeated the litter box rumor in debate about a resolution to restrict protections for LGBTQ+ students.[72] In Tennessee, state senator Janice Bowling made the litter box claim during a committee meeting and characterized it as "growing crisis"—state and local officials countered that it was false information.[73] In Rhode Island, Mary Brimer, a Republican town council member for North Kingstown, posted on social media that two local students were identifying as cats and were being accommodated with litter boxes in school restrooms—the superintendent of the local school district said the rumors were false.[74] Local education officials in South Carolina[75] and Pennsylvania[76] issued public statements to refute local and national rumors that litter boxes were being provided in schools. In Minnesota, Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen repeated the false rumor in a campaign speech about gender identity issues.[5] Jensen said:
"But what about education? What are we doing to our kids? Why are we telling elementary kids that they get to choose their gender this week? Why do we have litter boxes in some of the school districts so kids can pee in them, because they identify as a furry? We've lost our minds. We've lost our minds."[5]
Jensen's campaign declined media requests to substantiate the litter box claim, which the Minnesota Department of Education and several school districts refuted.[77][78]
In October 2022, Illinois Republican congressional candidate in the 11th district Catalina Lauf reacted to a CNN news story about Jensen's false claim, saying on Twitter, "...this is not a hoax and is happening in schools in Illinois, too".[79] When confronted by local media to validate the claim, Lauf instead criticized a state policy to provide free menstrual hygiene products in schools and teachers who refer to children by their preferred gender pronouns.[80] At a campaign event, congresswoman Lauren Boebert alleged that litter boxes were being provided to students who identify as cats in Durango, Colorado, which administrators for the local school district said were untrue.[16][6][81] In North Carolina, Iredell-Statesville Schools considered a ban on students wearing furry costumes, in part due to the burden of staff having to refute unsubstantiated rumors about litter boxes in restrooms.[82] The school district, along with nearby Lincoln County Schools, said there was no evidence of litter boxes being used on campuses.[83] While interviewing Tulsi Gabbard on his Spotify show, Joe Rogan shared a rumor that a school was providing a litter box for a student that identified as a cat. Rogan offered no evidence to support the claim,[84] which was circulated on social media and shared on Instagram by the Libs of TikTok account.[6][19] Rogan said in an interview with Uproxx several weeks later that "it doesn't seem that there's any proof that they put a litter box in there", but also claimed that "there w[ere] discussions about doing it because there was one particularly wacky mother".[18] During an interview with Ohio Republican Senate candidate J.D. Vance, Christian talk show host Bill Cunningham said that schools were providing litter boxes for students to defecate in.[20] During a tele-town hall with U.S. Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, a participant shared a rumor that litter boxes were being placed in West Bend schools.[85]
While speaking to supporters at a campaign event, retired brigadier general and United States Senate candidate Don Bolduc alleged schools were providing litter boxes to students who dress up as furries and cats.[17] In November 2022, Bolduc said during a televised debate that the burden was on the school to proof that litter boxes were not being used;[86] the school named by Bolduc confirmed it was a false allegation.[87] Several school officials in San Luis Obispo County, California, had to refute false litter box rumors, which may have emanated from the promulgation of the hoax by radio show host Joe Rogan.[88] Rogan subsequently admitted to spreading misinformation.[89] As he endorsed two local school board candidates, Indiana Republican state representative Robert Morris falsely claimed schools were providing "litter boxes in bathrooms for students identifying as animals".[90]
Fact-checking assessments
Several news media and fact-checking organizations have debunked the claims that schools were providing litter boxes to students to use in restrooms as unsubstantiated.[36]
In early 2022, Snopes rated claims of litter boxes being placed in restrooms in Michigan schools as "false"[7] and the Agence France-Presse said they were "baseless".[91] As rumors spread in April 2022, news fact-checking organization PolitiFact did not find any credible news reports to support the claim that schools were providing litter boxes for students and rated the claim "Pants on Fire!".[92] Two fact-checking assessment by Reuters, in July 2022 and again in October 2022, concluded that there was no evidence that schools were officially recognizing the animal expressions of students participating in the furry fandom trend or accommodating students with litter boxes.[93][84] According to an NBC News analysis, by mid October 2022, at least 20 conservative candidates and election officials had asserted that elementary and secondary schools were providing litter boxes or other accommodations for students who identify as cats—every school district named in such claims said they were false.[6] A review of the rumors by center-right news website The Bulwark reached a similar conclusion as NBC News and referred to the hoax as "Furrygate".[94][95]
Reactions
News media columnists
Elizabeth Brown from Reason suggested the litter box rumors became popular due to "lin[ing] up perfectly with conservative fears about transgender and non-binary students".[96] Kelly Weill from The Daily Beast argued that the politicization of furries in classrooms was a proxy for the broader cultural discussion about race and gender issues.[23] Michelle Goldberg of The New York Times argued the rumors were part of a generational conflict over sex and gender identity issues in schools, and compared the rumors to the satanic panic frenzy of the 1980s.[97] Columnist Gene Lyons in a Chicago Sun-Times opinion piece compared the litter box hoax to the moral panics behind the 16th century werewolves tales in Germany and the witch hunts of 17th century New England.[95] Hayes Brown, an MSNBC opinion columnist, said it was unclear if politicians spreading the rumors actually believed them or not, but that either way the act of repeating the rumors was "to the detriment of trans kids".[22]
Ben Cost of the conservative tabloid newspaper New York Post said while explaining the history of the Michigan rumors that, "It's load of kitty litter."[98] Christopher Tremoglie of the conservative website Washington Examiner said that rumors in mid 2022 of litter boxes in Iowa schools were false. He also said regarding a widely circulated story by the Herald Sun tabloid newspaper about an Australian teenager allowed to act as a cat in class that was never verified,[99] and of the broader discussion of gender identify issues, "This is the world we live in today, and this is the danger created by normalizing transgender delusions in young students who may get over it. The enabling of this behavior is [helping] people with legitimate mental health issues get applause instead of the medical help they truly need."[24]
In an opinion article in the Arizona Daily Star, Judy Doll argued that Republican politicians were using the litter box hoax as a way to call "into question the moral values of everyone associated with public schools".[100] Kathie Obradovich, a opinion editor with the Iowa Capital Dispatch, argued that the litter box hoax served the political purpose of instilling fear in parents of public schools as a way to shift public education dollars towards private and religious schools.[101] Todd Dorman of The Gazette made a similar argument.[102]
LGBTQ+ activists
Local LGBTQ+ activists in Prince Edward Island said the October 2021 litter box rumors were a form of internet trolling in an attempt "to make the queer community seem ridiculous, in order to paint all of the community's concerns as absurd".[10] James Factora, a writer with LGBT news website Them, compared the litter box hoax to 2020 United States election conspiracy theories, stating, "The tactic of repeating a completely baseless lie until it becomes widely accepted as truth has become perhaps the most emblematic rhetorical strategy of the GOP."[13] Geoff Wetrosky of the Human Rights Campaign, said, "The attention this freakish lie has received on social media illustrates the pernicious influence of disinformation and that anti-LGBTQ+ politicians will do and say anything to animate the most extreme fringe—no matter the consequence."[103] Leigh Finke, a transgender candidate for the Minnesota House of Representatives in the 2022 election, said about the rumors, "It's a really gross thing no one should have to hear. It is not true. And I don't want to waste my time saying trans kids aren't animals."[104]
Teachers
Education Minnesota said that the internet hoax "appears to be an attempt to discredit school policies intended to make schools safe and welcoming for students".[77]
Satire and comedy
Australian satirical website Damascus Dropbear published a new fake story in August 2022 about a school in Melbourne providing litter boxes.[105] Television show host John Oliver debunked litter box claims on the episode of Last Week Tonight that aired on October 24, 2022.[106]
Impact
2022 United States elections
Many of the prominent American politicians seeking public office who promoted the hoax were defeated in the 2022 United States elections.[107] Among those who promoted the hoax who were unsuccessful in seeking public office included New Hampshire candidate for U.S. Senate Don Bolduc, Colorado candidate for governor Heidi Ganahl, Illinois candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives Catalina Lauf, Minnesota candidate for governor Scott Jensen, and Maine candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives Ed Thelander. Among those who had promoted the hoax and prevailed in their races included the incumbents U.S. Senator J.D. Vance from Ohio and U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, while U.S. Representative Lauren Boebert of Colorado had a narrow lead in her race that had not been called several weeks after the November 8 election.[107]
Virginia Chamlee of People said that Bolduc's repeating of the false claims during his political campaign may have alienated moderate voters and led to his defeat by Maggie Hassan in the race for a New Hampshire United States Senate seat.[108]
See also
Notes
- ^ "2SLGBTQI" is the acronym for two-spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex.
References
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The litter box canard also serves another political purpose: Trying to scare parents.
- ^ a b "LGBTQ+ youth are target of a massive fear-mongering campaign". Los Angeles Blade. October 31, 2022. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
Yet, here we are playing whack a mole with the litter box canard.
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Among the policies is one stating students, staff and visitors may use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity. It also directs schools to ensure that gender-neutral, single-occupant bathrooms are accessible to anyone.
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Its content is amplified by high-profile media figures, politicians and right-wing influencers. Its tweets reach millions, with influence spreading far beyond its more than 648,000 Twitter followers. Libs of TikTok has become an agenda-setter in right-wing online discourse, and the content it surfaces shows a direct correlation with the recent push in legislation and rhetoric directly targeting the LGBTQ+ community.
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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.
- ^ Berg-Brousseau, Henry (October 14, 2022). "ICYMI – NBC: 20+ Politicians Promote Bizarre Claim That Youth Are Identifying as Cats". Human Rights Campaign. Retrieved October 15, 2022.
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Further reading
- Matthews, Dylan (March 27, 2015). "9 questions about furries you were too embarrassed to ask". Vox Media. Retrieved October 14, 2022.
- Pahwa, Nitish (May 6, 2022). "Fur-mongering: Fake news about children 'identifying' as animals is the latest stunt being pushed by so-called parental rights advocates." Slate. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
- Bushard, Brian (October 4, 2022). "Colorado GOP Governor Candidate Latest To Fall For Student 'Furries' Hoax—Here's How Many Others Have Been Duped". Forbes. Retrieved October 4, 2022.
- Pierce, Charles (October 17, 2022). "The 'Litter Box in Schools' Lie Is a Litmus Test for Idiots". Esquire. Retrieved October 20, 2022.
- Roberts, Sharon E. (November 7, 2022). "What are 'furries?' Debunking myths about kids identifying as animals, and litter boxes in schools". The Conversation. Retrieved November 8, 2022.
External links
- 2022 controversies in the United States
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