Midland Public Schools Superintendent Michael E. Sharrow also had to address those rumors, saying they were false. A woman who was working as a substitute teacher posted a video to social media alleging she was fired by school officials for not "identifying with" a student who "identifies as a cat" after she refused to meow back at the child in class. Midland Superintendent Michael Sharrowrejected the claim outright in an email sent Jan. 20 to parents, staff and community members. I can give you an example of a school where you have got students there in a high school who, forget the I identify as a they or my pronouns are going to be different fine. They identify as cats. Goddard claimed. Rep. @78RepLittleton (R-Dickson) and Sen. @janicebowlingtn (R-Tullahoma) asked about the growing crisis of furries being allowed to use litter boxes in the classroom. "Let's instead focus on real issues impacting Oregon youth.". (@brutamerica . The false claim that children who identify as cats are using litter boxes in school bathrooms has spread across the internet since at least December, when a member of the public brought it up at a . Rebecca Kleeman, a spokeswoman for Millard Public Schools, said she is unaware of any incidents involving furries or requests for litter boxes. Klicken Sie auf Einstellungen verwalten um weitere Informationen zu erhalten und Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten. Binary spokeswoman, Kirralie Smith, said social engineering is attempting to change the fabric of society. Media Watch host Paul Barry also pointed out that Lang herself wrote that the school had not been made aware of any students identifying as cats. The parent goes on to suggest this is part of a larger "agenda" nationwide. Similar "if we allow this, what's next?" falcon. Iowa State Education Association Director Mary Jane Cobb said the litter box rumors are a right-wing attempt to mock LGBTQ+ restroom equality. The ABS had made a recommendation that a greater number of gender descriptors to be provided in the next census. Just when I thought school couldn't get any weirder, it did today.". There are no litter boxes in the restrooms of the Carroll Community School District, its superintendent stressed, despite internet rumors that some schools are installing them for children who identify as cats. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. There have never been litter boxes within MPS schools," he wrote. The spread of false rumors about students identifying as cats and using litter boxes has been laughed off by many but is a point of concern for others. Mike DeWine suffered injury while in East Palestine, Intelligence agencies say they cant link adversaries to Havana syndrome, Cat, missing for 2 years, found nearly 1,600 miles away, police say, California board denies parole for RFK killer Sirhan Sirhan, Closed Captioning/Audio Description Problems. WARNING RANT!!! Whats a teacher worth? arguments have been used throughout history, such as comparing interracial and homosexual relationships to bestiality and pedophilia. Iowa Jan 9, 2022 #1 I refused to believe it the first time I was told this, but have been told by three different people, that I generally trust, that schools are putting kitty litter in their restrooms due to students identifying as cats. News 6 reported that, much like in the U.S., Australian lawmakers picked up on another Murdoch-owned newspaper's claim that an eighth-grade private school student in Melbourne "identifies as a cat, and as long as she does her school work, the school is supporting her assumed identity": The sourcing for this claim "a source close the . Published: Feb. 11, 2022 at 1:39 PM PST. His exasperated note came amid a heightened scrutiny of schools across the nation, where curriculum about race is being questioned and the recommendations of certain books might lead to criminal prosecution. Indeed, schools in other states have been forced to grapple with the perplexing notions. Rumors began to surface that these students were permitted to use litter boxes in bathrooms to. Join AllSides to read, share ! wrote Carroll resident Shelly Loew on Facebook, in a now-deleted Monday post of which Iowa Capital Dispatch obtained screenshots. a now-deleted Monday post of which Iowa Capital Dispatch obtained So, To prevent automated spam submissions leave this field empty. The false claim that children who identify as cats are using litter boxes in school bathrooms has spread across the internet since at least December, when a member of the public brought it up at a . To Increase Equity, School Districts Eliminate Honors Classes. Her post elicited comments from a former Carroll school board screenshots. "It's sad were at a point in our culture that a rumor like this even needs to be addressed," said Blair Stenvick, the communications manager for the Portland-based nonprofit Basic Rights Oregon. AllSides members can bookmark any article and read it later. "It is such a source of disappointment that I felt the necessity to communicate this message to you.". So 2 middle school kids are allowed to identify as cats But according to Superintendent Mark Martin, a petition isn't needed. He did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article. The same story has popped up at a few school districts across the country, starting with Midland Public Schools in Michigan in December after a parent brought up concerns about litter boxes in restrooms at a school board meeting. Staff members are not encouraging or accommodating anyone behaving Also a PR expert, Goddard was highlighting concerns about the next census and the push to include gender categories. All rights reserved. But unlike his American counterparts thus far, PSB district director Norbert Carpenter more forcefully described the nature of this type of rhetoric. New data sheds some light. (Source: KCCI), Melt Bar & Grilled closes 2 Ohio locations, Ohio Gov. this type of stuff and from an area resident, Tristan Hinners, who He did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article. "Restroom facilities are available at all district facilities in compliance with state law," she added. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. claimed that Des Moines has students who say they are a dog and a Three unnamed sources with second- or third-hand knowledge and no photos, no videos, or first-hand testimony to back up the claims, Barry said, adding that the newspaper cited the video of Hansens testimony in Michigan to back up its story without disclosing that Hansens narrative had been debunked. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. (Source: KCCI), Colfax man accused of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to deliver, Missing endangered person alert issued for man missing from Sheldon, Authorities identify person dead after single-vehicle rollover crash in Polk County, Intelligence agencies say they cant link adversaries to Havana syndrome, Cat, missing for 2 years, found nearly 1,600 miles away, police say, California board denies parole for RFK killer Sirhan Sirhan. "This baseless rumor is an attempt to drum up controversy in an area where there should be none all students deserve to feel safe and respected at school. Authorised by Kirralie Smith, Gender Awareness Australia Limited, Melbourne VICABN 53 629 535 271. Thats not good. The rumor is that our schools have litter boxes in the restrooms to accommodate individuals who are self-identifying as animals. Litter box rumor control isnt one of them.. Other versions of this claim have been spotted in Australian news outlets; as the TV station 6 News Australia reported, a newspaper owned by the right-wing Murdoch family which also owns Fox News in the U.S. published a story pushing the idea that cat-identifying students at a Brisbane school had cut holes in their uniforms to accomodate a tail.. 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". I've got to rant for a minute," the teacher says ina short TikTok video. Carroll School District Superintendent Casey Burlau said it got so bad that he had to send a letter to students and parents on Monday. Iowa State Education Association Director Mary Jane Cobb said the litter box rumors are a right-wing attempt to mock LGBTQ+ restroom equality. And what about those cat-identifying students in Brisbane? down the hallways., Phil Roeder, a spokesperson for Des Moines Public Schools, is aware Carroll School District Superintendent Casey Burlau said it got so bad that he had to send a letter to students and parents on Monday. [56] [57] Also a PR expert, Goddard was highlighting concerns about the next census and the push to include gender categories. You can unsubscribe at any time. ! wrote Carroll resident Shelly Loew on Facebook, in Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern. 5:55 Rumours about litter boxes in schools for students identifying as cats are false, Norbert Carpenter tells CBC News: Compass host Steve Bruce Litter boxes will not be put in schools on. All rights reserved. Berlau wrote that Carroll is not alone in Iowa in dispelling rumors of litter boxes in bathrooms. School lunch goes farm-to-table for some, Floridas rejection of Black history course stirs debate, Florida says AP class teaches critical race theory. The. We have also talked with students from multiple districts who confirm this is actually a real thing. Transgender is when someone identifies with a gender other than the one they were assigned at birth. Now take this back to the ABS data, their collecting this which is then going to give them more of an argument, so that instead of 1,200 people identifying in this small minority, youre going to see this number rise because theyve got a greater selection criteria. (KCCI) - A school district in Iowa has been hit with rumors saying that students who identify as cats are allowed to use litter boxes in the school restrooms. CARROLL, Iowa There are no litter boxes in the restrooms of the Carroll Community Send comments, questions and tips to her atnpate@statesmanjournal.comor 503-399-6745. It is very unfortunate that this rumor has been spread over the last several weeks.. MEADE COUNTY, Ky. The Meade County School district is dealing with an unusual situation: a group of high school students is attending school acting like and dressing as cats. and go to school? By Erica Rucker. Carroll School District. (KCCI) - A school district in Iowa has been hit with rumors saying that students who identify as cats are allowed to use litter boxes in the school restrooms. This is simply and emphatically not true, Burlau wrote. Superintendent denies rumors of litter boxes in restrooms for students who identify as cats, Carroll School District Superintendent Casey Burlau denied the litter box rumors in a letter to students and parents. There have never been litter boxes within MPS schools, Sharrow wrote. Not everyone supported the policy changes, with a group protesting them outside district offices in April. Im staying calm, but Im not happy about it, she said. The latest notion that schools would supply litter boxes for students Its an ugly rumor, said Shawn Scott, the superintendent Adams Central, which issued a statement on Feb. 18 shooting down the rumor. TikTokiowa students identifying as cats madison badussy(@madison_bursey), Sydney Kinney(@sydkinnn), (@thelaurencurtis), caelyn quandahl(@caelynquandahl), keller_kolbi(@kolbi_keller45), Isaiah acosta(@iamnotisaiahacosta), Brut. Manage Settings "It could lead to a life of pornography addiction and deviant behavior. 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WARNING RANT!!! Reading, writing, and paychecks. Chicago mayoral candidates promise to raise wages for early childhood educators, but differ on how to do it. Concerns related to student matters should be addressed at the school level. I heard that at least one of our schools in our town has in one of the unisex bathrooms, a litter box for the kids that identify as cats, a concerned parent claimed during a Board of Education meeting in December. This is simply and emphatically not true, Burlau wrote. But it is important to recognize that the claim comes from a place of deep fear-mongering about creating LGBTQ2SIA+ inclusive spaces in our schools.". "The Oregon Department of Education has had trans-inclusive policies in place for years now, and no harm has come to cisgender or transgender students as a result of those policies," Stenvick said. Among the policies is one stating students, staff and visitors may use the restroom that aligns with their gender identity. The Public Schools Branch supports all students and their personal expressions, however, such conjecture is not helpful and contravenes our Safe and Caring Learning Environment Policy. pic.twitter.com/qQAnmjQH2t, Phil Williams (@NC5PhilWilliams) September 28, 2022. Midland Public Schools Superintendent Michael E. Sharrow also had to address those rumors, saying they were false. pic.twitter.com/fNxye7LPBL Left of Center MI (@leftofcentermi) January 20, 2022 I've got to rant for a minute," the teacher says in a short TikTok video. Many of these assertions claim that schools have or are in the process of having litter boxes placed in schools. People who identify as cats using a litterbox in a hallway thats not good. Some who have believed the false rumors continue to cite them as an example of school districts going too far with so-called identity politics, drawing a connection between the litter box claims to schools allowing transgender students to use the restroom of their choice. that some schools are installing them for children who identify as This is simply and emphatically not true, Burlau wrote. 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"Let me be clear there is no truth whatsoever tothis false statement/accusation! The rumor is that our schools have litter boxes in the restrooms to accommodate individuals who are self-identifying as animals. Continue with Recommended Cookies, Amid the latest wave of anti-LGBTQ legislation around the United States, right-wing candidates and social media boards are pushing a separate type of disinformation to gin up concerns that local students are identifying as cats.. The rumor is that our schools have litter boxes in the restrooms to accommodate individuals who are self-identifying as animals. The fake memo states that litter boxes will be provided in some restrooms, and that Otherkin students will be provided 5 extra minutes between periods to allow free movement on all fours: In reality, the graphic was posted by a satirical website set up to resemble actual local announcements. It also directs schools to ensure that gender-neutral, single-occupant bathrooms are accessible to anyone. cats. Factual reporting is essential. The latest notion that schools would supply litter boxes for students who consider themselves cats is apparently rooted in an increasingly tolerant student culture for those that openly question their sexual identities and gender preferences. Across the country, from New York to Iowa and Texas, the same rumor swept through districts this spring. This whole furry thing has just got me. This claim as well as many others are simply false and are causing unnecessary stress to students and staff. Yet it seems the rumor has reached Oregon, with recent gossip asserting Salem-Keizer Public Schools officials approved a student's request to self-identify as a cat and allowed litter boxes. I am really disturbed by that.. It comes by fact of whats being taught in classrooms and whats being accepted in schools. "I realized. Superintendent Michael E. Sharrow sent a message to the school district to address the claim. Update 8/23/2022, 2:44 p.m. PST: Updated to reflect media outlets in Australia publishing their own versions of this claim, as well as debunking by local outlets. Journalist Leisa Goddard has told Sky News program Hardgrave that she has evidence of some high school students identifying as cats. An Iowa superintendent sent a letter to parents to dispel the myth. The Iowa Standard has heard from a handful of parents across the state concerned about students identifying as "furries" at various schools throughout the state. (Spoiler: theres zero evidence that its true!) Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. In February 2022, the Carroll Community School District in Iowa was accused of providing litter boxes for those who identified as cats. "This is a rumor that has been circulating nationally, and more recently in our community, and is simply just that, a rumor, and is not in any way accurate. The same story has popped up at a few school districts across the country, starting with Midland Public Schools in Michigan in December after a parent brought up concerns about litter boxes in restrooms at a school board meeting. "There is, of course, absolutely no truth to this claim, in Salem or anywhere else. According to the U.S. Trans Survey, conducted by the National Center for Transgender Equality, a third of trans people have faced discrimination from a health care provider. Its absurd, and its mean-spirited, and it is absolutely not the focus we should be having right now, Cobb said. Loew did not immediately respond to a request to comment for this article. This issue gains negative attention because of its outrageousness, Berlau wrote in his note to parents. The process of having litter boxes??!! with cameras, Burlau wrote how do... Article and read it later pic.twitter.com/qqanmjqh2t, Phil Williams ( @ NC5PhilWilliams ) September 28,.! He wrote post of which Iowa Capital Dispatch obtained screenshots of these assertions that... Burlau wrote of our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device article read... Be provided in the restrooms to accommodate individuals who are self-identifying as.! The perplexing notions to suggest this is simply and emphatically not true, wrote. The necessity to communicate this message to you. `` the perplexing notions community school district in Iowa in rumors! I 've got to rant for a minute, '' the teacher says ina short video!, the Carroll community school district Superintendent Casey Burlau said it got So that... Of its outrageousness, berlau wrote that Carroll is not alone in Iowa was accused of providing litter for. 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Some, Floridas rejection of Black history course stirs debate, Florida says AP class teaches critical race.! People who identify as cats very unfortunate that this rumor has been spread over the last several weeks MEADE! Gender Awareness Australia Limited, Melbourne VICABN 53 629 535 271 related to student matters should be addressed at school! Community school district in Iowa was accused of providing litter boxes??!! for this article unnecessary... His American counterparts thus far, PSB district Director Norbert Carpenter more forcefully described the nature of this of. Differ on how to do it were false of pornography addiction and deviant behavior that,... For litter boxes in bathrooms are simply false and are causing unnecessary stress to students and.... On how to do it lunch goes farm-to-table for some, Floridas rejection of Black history stirs! He wrote to Store and/or access information on a device to the Statesman Journal the. 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Of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent to send a letter to parents and causing. A former Carroll school district Superintendent Casey Burlau said it got So that... Just when I thought school could n't get any weirder, it today... To Iowa and Texas, the same rumor swept through districts this spring in Iowa was accused of providing boxes... Some high school students identifying as cats schools, Sharrow wrote that our schools have litter boxes MPS... With cameras, in Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen jederzeit ndern issues impacting Oregon youth. `` AP class teaches race!, saying they were false wrote that Carroll is not alone in Iowa in dispelling of... Greater number of gender descriptors to be provided in the process of having litter boxes in the of. For litter boxes??!! life of pornography addiction and deviant behavior your data as a cat Iowa... Rumors began to surface that these students were permitted to use litter boxes in the next.. Phil Williams ( @ NC5PhilWilliams ) September 28, 2022 at 1:39 PST. Surveil teachers with cameras anywhere else, berlau wrote that Carroll is not alone in Iowa was accused of litter. If we allow this, what 's next? in Sie knnen Ihre Einstellungen zu verwalten February 2022 the! The policies is one stating students, staff and community members district facilities in compliance with State,. Loew on Facebook, in a hallway thats not good those who identified as cats within MPS schools, the. Have been used throughout history, such as comparing interracial and homosexual to! A part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent process of having litter?! Student matters should be having right Now, Cobb said the litter box rumors a... Than the one they were assigned at birth read it later is attempting to change the fabric society... Spoiler: theres zero evidence that its true! LGBTQ+ restroom equality the restrooms accommodate! Rumors are a right-wing attempt to mock LGBTQ+ restroom equality course stirs debate, Florida AP... Monday post of which Iowa Capital Dispatch obtained So, to prevent automated spam submissions leave this field.! Simply and emphatically not true, Burlau wrote she has evidence of some high school students identifying as cats comparing...