School division says students can’t dress like ‘furries,’ use litter boxes

A Yorkton-based school division is debunking myths and misconceptions circulating about its policies and actions regarding the protection of student rights.

The Good Spirit School Division (GSSD) said in a Facebook post students are not allowed to dress up as “furries” and use litter boxes in schools.

“It is (rumoured) that the division is allowing students to identify as ‘furries’ … and permitting them to use litter boxes in school premises …,” the post said. “The claim about allowing the use of litter boxes is completely false.”

The school division also wrote it ensures a sustainable, equitable and inclusive environment across its schools, encouraging students to express their individuality and diverse identities.

“Policies and guidelines in place ensure that all school facilities are used appropriately and safely by everyone,” it added. “Specific dress codes have been developed by schools, in consultation with their School Community Council, none of which allow for students to dress like ‘furries.’ ”

According to the Facebook post, some people believe the introduction of gender-neutral washrooms promotes a particular ideology.

The school division labelled that a misconception and said introducing gender-neutral washrooms serves as an intiative to create a more sustainable, equitable and inclusive environment for all students.

“Gender-neutral (washrooms) are (single-stall) facilities — meaning that only one person can use it at a time — much like the bathroom in our homes,” the school division said. “These facilities are meant to ensure that every student … and staff member feels safe and respected when using school amenities.”

There’s also a misconception about explicit materials being promoted in GSSD classrooms and libraries, something the school division said is completely false.

“The Good Spirit School Division adheres to strict guidelines established by the Ministry of Education regarding the types of materials and curriculum content that can be promoted or made available in classrooms and libraries,” the GSSD said, adding the guidelines are in place to ensure that all content is age-appropriate.

The GSSD also claimed there’s a myth the school division is actively promoting homosexuality through its policies and curriculum.

In response, the school division said it ensures all families feel valued, included and respected, adding it’s essential to understand that fostering an inclusive environment is not the same as promoting a particular sexual orientation.

“Education about different sexual orientations is part of a broader educational program, similar to learning about different religions or countries, aimed at reducing discrimination and fostering understanding and empathy among students, staff and families,” it said.

The GSSD added it follows the ministry of education’s guidelines in the provincial curriculum related to the topic of sex education and sexuality.