The bill is based on debunked claims that public schools were encouraging so-called furries. Lawmakers have used the claims to funnel public funds to private schools.
A new bill filed by Rep. Stan Gerdes would allow schools to discipline children for"non-human behavior." Gov. Greg Abbott is resurfacing claims that public schools across the country are allowing students to act as “furries” in classrooms in his latest push to funnel taxpayer funds to private schools.
Texas lawmakers have used the claims, which have since been debunked, to push for education savings accounts or school vouchers, which would give families taxpayer funds to go toward private-school tuition. Abbott told a group of Baptist ministers in Austin on Thursday that he was backing a bill, filed by Republican Rep. Stan Gerdes from Smithville, that would ban “non-human” behavior in schools,, would codify rules against students barking, hissing, licking or meowing in schools. The “non-human behavior” cited in the bill would also ban students from wearing tails, leashes or fur, unless it’s Halloween or another approved holiday where costumes are expected. Abbott told the group of ministers that if students are distracted by furries, parents have the right to send their children to private schools, and could get help from the state to do so.The Texas Legislature’s special session starts Tuesday. At the top of Gov. Greg Abbott’s education agenda: school choice for special-needs students.The Texas House has filed its school voucher bill. The legislation differs in several ways from what the Senate has already passed. The two chambers would have to hash out their differences before sending any legislation to Gov. Greg Abbott for his approval.
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