A bill has been introduced by a Texas lawmaker to prohibit “non-human behavior” in public schools, like barking, meowing, and other animal-like actions commonly associated with furries.
This legislation, known as the Forbidding Unlawful Representation of Roleplaying in Education (FURRIES) Act, was introduced in the state’s House by GOP Rep. Stan Gerdes last week.
“No distractions. No theatrics. Just education,” Gerdes stated. “Texas schools are meant for educating children, not indulging in extreme trends. Let’s keep the focus on preparing students for success in life.”
Under this proposal, students would not be allowed to participate in various animal behaviors such as using a litter box, grooming themselves, making animal sounds like barking, meowing, or hissing, or pretending to be animals.
A bill has been introduced by a Texas lawmaker to ban “non-human behavior” in public schools. (Getty Images)
Reports of litter boxes being installed in school restrooms have been proven false by schools nationwide in recent years following misleading online claims.
Additionally, students would be restricted from wearing items not intended for human use, like animal ears, whiskers, tails, collars, leashes, or other pet accessories. The use of fur is also prohibited, although the bill clarifies that natural human hair and wigs are exempt from this fur ban.
The bill mandates that students present themselves as human beings, preventing them from starting clubs or organizations centered around non-human behavior and from endorsing the idea that non-human behaviors are socially acceptable.
Exceptions to the ban on animal accessories and non-human behaviors include dressing up for specific events like Halloween or school dress-up days related to human history, limited to five days per school year. Theater performances and dressing up as a school mascot are also allowed.
The proposal prohibits students from engaging in various animal behaviors, such as using a litter box, grooming themselves, or making animal sounds. (Getty Images)
Failure to comply with these regulations could result in removal from class, suspension, or expulsion for students. The legislation also allows for students to be transferred to a program for juvenile justice alternative education.
Teachers are mandated to report violations to the Texas attorney general, and school districts failing to enforce the restrictions could face fines starting from $10,000 for initial offenses and $25,000 for subsequent violations.
The bill is supported by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and the state’s House Speaker, Dustin Burrows, both Republicans.
“Parents who have children in public schools expect them to learn the basics of education – reading, writing, math, and science,” Abbott mentioned during a meeting with pastors in Austin, using the furry issue as a reason to advocate for private school choice vouchers.
The bill is supported by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. (Getty Images)
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“If furries are causing distractions, parents have the right to move their child to a school of their choosing,” he added.
Gerdes described his bill as “common sense” and expressed gratitude towards Abbott and Burrows for their support.
“I’m thankful that our leadership is taking this matter seriously and ensuring that Texas schools remain focused on learning, not roleplaying,” Gerdes commented. “This is common sense. Let’s push for its passage.”
