“Misinformation that had been circulating online.”
A school district in central Utah, serving the southern half of greater Provo, faced intense scrutiny following a social media firestorm. A group of middle school students claimed, without providing evidence, that there were an increasing number of “furries” – people who identify as animals – enrolled at Mt. Nebo Middle School. Unsubstantiated rumors of “licking” and “biting” spread like wildfire, causing concern among parents and leading to a partial student walkout. Around 75 parents and children were seen chanting outside the premises on Wednesday.
Shouts of “We the people, not the animals,” “Compelled speech is not free speech” and “Stop brainwashing us” were heard.
A petition began circulating opposing the purported presence of “furries” at the school, entitled “Students for Humans at School, not animals aka furries.” It had received 1,800 signatures as of Thursday. (RELATED: The Priority Has To Be Education – Training Comes Later)
Fox News' Hannah Grossman has the latest:
The petition asks the district to enforce its dress code policy which prohibits any “elements of a student's appearance that draw undo attention, distract, disrupt, or otherwise interfere with the learning atmosphere at school or at school activities and events, or that create a health, safety or welfare issue are prohibited.”
“Please help us in taking care of our children's well being and safety while at school,” the petition concludes.
The district denied that students were wearing full animal costumes, while students at the protests alleged some were wearing full animal face masks.
The district sent out an email to parents in response to the protest.
“We expect ALL students to be respectful towards each other while we are here at school. We hope you will treat others how you would like to be treated. Outstanding behavior might demonstrate curiosity, understanding, patience and tolerance,” it read. “One of our goals is to ensure that you are able to come to school, each day to learn the academic curriculum and appropriate citizenship. As responsible citizens, we hope you will look out for each other, take care of each other and treat each other with kindness.”
On Thursday, a representative for the Nebo School District, home to 36,000 students, called the rumors “completely unfounded.” (RELATED: Mike Rowe Speaks Out Against Harvard's Controversial ‘Segregation' Ceremonies)
A group of 11 and 12-year-olds threw food at a few students wearing animal ear headbands at school. Kelsey James, the spokeswoman for the Utah State Board of Education, stated that the incident prompted the school to send the above letter to families of the students.
The letter goes on to remind students of the district's dress code, which prohibits “jewelry, accessories, tattoos, hair, facial hair and other elements of a student's appearance that draw undue attention, distract, disrupt or otherwise interfere with the learning atmosphere at school or at school activities.”
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