Michigan superintendent debunks GOP-spread rumor of student 'furries' using school bathroom 'litter boxes'

Furries
(Image credit: Adam Berry/Getty Images)

Michael Sharrow, the superintendent of Michigan's Midland Public Schools, informed parents last Thursday that there are no litter boxes on school grounds for students who identify as "cats" or "furries." "It is unconscionable that this afternoon I am sending this communication," he wrote. "However, our Midland PS stakeholders may be confused about a false message/accusation that has resurfaced this week and is gaining traction in the social media realm."

The idea that public schools in the district, about two hours northwest of Detroit, gave litter boxes to animal cosplayers appears to have come from video of a school board meeting, posted on Facebook by Meshawn Maddock, a chairwoman of the Michigan Republican Party, The New York Times reported Sunday. "Kids who identify as 'furries' get a litter box in the school bathroom," Maddock wrote above the video, tying it to the leitmotif of her social media posts, that angry moms will put Republicans in power. "Parent heroes will TAKE BACK our schools."

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Peter Weber, The Week US

Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.