Texas Lawmaker Proposes "FURRIES Act" to Restrict Animal-Like Behavior in Public Schools
A controversial bill aimed at curbing what one Texas lawmaker deems "non-human behavior" in public schools has ignited a firestorm of debate across the state. Republican Representative Stan Gerdes introduced the "Forbidding Unlawful Representation of Roleplaying in Education," or FURRIES Act, in the Texas House last week, proposing a sweeping ban on activities associated with the furry subculture. The bill, which seeks to mandate a focus on traditional academics and prohibit perceived distractions, has garnered support from key Republican figures, including Governor Greg Abbott and House Speaker Dustin Burrows.
Gerdes, in a statement posted on X, framed the legislation as a necessary measure to maintain educational focus. "No distractions. No theatrics. Just education," he wrote. "Texas schools are for educating kids, not indulging in radical trends. Let’s keep the focus where it belongs—on preparing students for success in life."
The proposed law specifically targets a range of behaviors and attire. Students would be prohibited from engaging in animalistic actions such as using a litter box (an issue linked to debunked online claims), licking themselves, and making animal noises like barking, meowing, or hissing. More broadly, the bill seeks to prevent students from "otherwise pretending to be an animal."
Beyond behavioral restrictions, the FURRIES Act also addresses clothing and accessories. The legislation would ban students from wearing items "not designed for human use," including animal ears, whiskers, tails, collars, leashes, and other pet-related accessories. The ban extends to fur, although it explicitly exempts natural human hair and wigs. The language of the bill underscores a requirement for students to "present themselves as humans," further solidifying the intended focus on human identity.
Furthermore, the bill aims to preempt the formation of clubs or organizations dedicated to "non-human behavior." It also prohibits the promotion of the idea that "non-human behaviors are socially acceptable" within the school environment. This aspect of the legislation suggests an effort to actively discourage the furry subculture’s presence and influence in Texas schools.
The legislation does provide limited exceptions. Students would be allowed to wear animal accessories and engage in related behaviors during Halloween, other school dress-up events related to human history, theater performances, and when portraying the school mascot. However, the exceptions for historical or dress-up events would be capped at five days per school year.
The consequences for violating the proposed law are significant. Students who fail to comply could face removal from class, suspension, or even expulsion. The bill also opens the door for transferring students to a juvenile justice alternative education program. Teachers would be mandated to report violations to the Texas attorney general, adding another layer of enforcement to the proposed legislation.
School districts that fail to enforce the restrictions outlined in the FURRIES Act would face hefty fines. The bill stipulates a fine of $10,000 for the first offense and $25,000 for subsequent violations, creating a strong financial incentive for districts to comply with the law.
Governor Greg Abbott has publicly voiced his support for the bill, citing concerns about distractions in the classroom and advocating for school choice. During a recent meeting with pastors in Austin, Abbott highlighted the "furry issue" as a motivating factor for allowing private school choice vouchers. "If you have a child in a public school, you have one expectation: your children’s going to be learning the fundamentals of education—reading and writing and math and science," Abbott stated. "If they’re being distracted by furries, those parents have a right to move their child to a school of their choice."
House Speaker Dustin Burrows has also signaled his support for the legislation. Gerdes expressed his gratitude for the backing of Abbott and Burrows, calling the bill "common sense." "I’m grateful that our leadership is taking this issue seriously and ensuring that Texas schools remain places of learning, not roleplaying," Gerdes said. "This is common sense. Let’s get it passed."
The FURRIES Act has already drawn significant criticism and sparked debate on issues of student expression, personal identity, and the role of schools in regulating student behavior. Opponents of the bill argue that it is discriminatory, infringes on students’ rights to self-expression, and addresses a problem that is largely based on misinformation and exaggerated claims. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for misinterpretation and overreach in enforcing the broad language of the bill.
The debate over the FURRIES Act reflects a broader national conversation about cultural trends, identity politics, and the appropriate boundaries of school authority. As the bill moves through the Texas legislative process, it is likely to continue to generate significant attention and controversy. The ultimate outcome of the legislation will undoubtedly have a significant impact on students, schools, and the broader educational landscape in Texas. Its passage could set a precedent for similar legislation in other states, potentially reshaping the way schools address issues of student expression and identity. The bill also brings to the forefront the ongoing discussion of parental rights versus the rights of individual students in a public education setting, a sensitive and complex issue.
