Roaring Controversy or Furry Fantasy? Furries in the Classroom

In a surprising move, House Bill 3084 has been proposed in the 2024 Oklahoma regular legislative session. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Justin Humphrey, aims to ban furries in the state’s public schools. House Bill 3084 will explicitly ban students who claim to be an imaginary animal or animal species or engage in anthropomorphic behavior commonly associated with furries from participating in school curricula or activities. In the case of a violation, a parent or guardian must pick up the offending students, or animal control services may be contacted to facilitate the student’s removal.

Furries are a community – or fandom – of people who share a common interest in anthropomorphic media, friendships and social inclusion.

While the intent behind the legislation is unclear, it raises questions about the necessity of such measures and potential violations of students’ First Amendment rights.

Rep. Humphrey justifies the bill by citing a debunked narrative involving schools providing litter boxes to furries, though little evidence suggests widespread problems in Oklahoma’s schools. In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), Rep. Humphrey said, “If you got an animal coming to school, how about we get them vaccinated? How about we get them neutered, and how about we send them to the pound?”

Are Furries Really a Problem?

Humphrey said, “I don’t want one or two cases across the state to reflect on all of our teachers and all of our great superintendents.” While he emphasized that the issue was not prevalent in his district, District 19, he saw it as an issue in the Oklahoma City and Tulsa areas, and thus a statewide problem that needed immediate attention.

However, the lack of specific cases and the reliance on anecdotes raises questions about the urgency of such legislation. Humphrey admitted to not having a particular case and only mentioned a reported incident in Ponatak County and the concern of a family friend. This lack of concrete evidence raises concerns about the necessity of a statewide ban on furries in schools.

Constitutional Concerns

The First Amendment protects freedom of expression, and attempts to regulate furries’ self-expression could face constitutional challenges. In Tinker v. Des Moines Independent Community School District, the Supreme Court affirmed that symbolic student expression is protected unless it causes a substantial disruption to school activities or invades the rights of others.

While dressing up as anthropomorphized animals might be confusing or unsettling to some, it generally falls under protected expression. HB 3084 could remove students who merely claim to be a particular animal, even without wearing animal-related apparel. This raises questions about the potential impact on activities like high school mascots, typically welcomed in school settings.

The bill, seemingly dismissed by some as a stunt, underscores the potential consequences of absolute, indiscriminate bans on expression. Legislation targeting objectionable behavior might unintentionally restrict common or accepted practices within schools. The proposed law may jeopardize costumed mascots, a cherished tradition in many schools, from participating in events like pep rallies or sports games.

In conclusion, House Bill 3084’s attempt to ban furries in Oklahoma’s public schools raises concerns about its necessity and potential infringement on students’ First Amendment rights. The lack of concrete evidence supporting the need for such legislation and its potential impact on protected expression calls for reevaluating its merits. Ensuring that any proposed laws prioritize protecting students’ rights while addressing legitimate concerns thoughtfully and constitutionally is essential. As citizens, staying informed and advocating for policies that uphold our values and defend our freedoms is crucial.

Dr. Tamecca Rogers is Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Tulsa Technology Center. She is a writer and mom to three boys who love adventures.