'Chaos prevails': Internet outraged as Utah middle school students wear animal costumes, 'bite' classmates

PAYSON, UTAH: A bizarre scene unfolded at a Utah school recently when students took to the streets in protest against their teachers. They claimed that some classmates, whom they referred to as 'furries,' were being allowed to wear animal costumes and allegedly bite and scratch others.

According to the Daily Mail, 'furries' are individuals with a keen interest in anthropomorphic (having human characteristics, such as the ability to talk) animals, often dressing up in elaborate costumes to embody their favorite characters.

Utah school students protest saying classmates dressed as furries 'biting' them

As reported by Daily Mail, a fiery debate ignited at Mt Nebo Middle School in Payson, Utah, as parents and students rallied against a proposed dress code overhaul.

The uproar erupted over concerns of students' attire becoming a distraction, with some reports even alleging physical altercations.

Amid the escalated situation, members of the costumed community, known as furries, also chimed in with their perspectives.

One furry, identified as 'Strudel', expressed disbelief at the situation, telling ABC 4 in Utah, "It's crazy that it's escalated to this point where these kids are being so distracting to their peers that their peers want to stage a walkout."

The protest outside the school drew attention with colorful posters and passionate pleas. Messages ranged from "Compelled speech is not free speech" to "Stop brainwashing us!"

The demonstration was preceded by a Change.org petition titled "Students for Humans at School, not animals aka furries," which quickly gained traction, garnering over 1,430 signatures, as stated by the Daily Mail.

While the petition initially targeted 500 signatures, its popularity soared, reflecting widespread concerns. The petition called for stricter enforcement of the district's dress code, particularly Section 3.8.1, aimed at curbing attire that disrupts the learning environment.

However, amidst the uproar over dress code enforcement, disturbing allegations emerged from students themselves. Several students reported instances of physical aggression, including alleged biting incidents.

As per the Daily Mail, in a video testimonial, one student lamented, "Multiple of my friends have been bitten by the furries and scratched, and the school won't do anything about it when we tell them."

Another student echoed similar sentiments, stating, "They're barking at us in class. Then they try to bite peoples' ankles. We need them out of our environment. Save it for the forest."

Addressing the allegations, Nebo School District Public Information Officer Seth Sorensen refuted the claims, labeling them as "completely untrue."

He emphasized that while students may occasionally wear playful accessories like headbands with ears or large bows, there have been no instances of students attending school in full animal costumes or engaging in animal-like behavior.

Sorensen urged parents to communicate openly, stating, "If parents or patrons have concerns, we encourage them to please reach out to the school administration or myself. Our top priority is a safe and supportive environment for both students and parents."

Internet blames school administration

A reader online wrote, "I think all children should wear uniforms to school. It stops the competition as to who has the latest fad or the most expensive shoes. Kids are at school to learn. It’s not a fashion show. Uniforms are not that expensive plus parents can always trade or buy used."

Another user wrote, "The emotional hurdles the younger generation have been saddled with by our school system and the media seem insurmountable. They are ill-prepared for reality or adulthood as we once knew it. In all honesty I feel ill-prepared for what passes as reality now."

A user commented, "Confused as to why school administrators allow this. School is for children. Learning is a privilege. If they want to be an animal on their own time fine, but during school hours and on school grounds, they behave as students. Period."

Another user commented, "The only thing kids need to identify with is a student. Plenty of time to ruin your and others' lives once you have the education staples needed to survive."

A user stated, "Seems all people, including minors, are testing the waters to see how far they can deviate in a "normal" society. Unfortunately, that previously normal society is allowing the deviants to prevail. Thus, chaos prevails."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online