School Debunks Senate Candidate's 'Furries' Claim

Don Bolduc in New Hampshire repeats hoax about students using litter boxes
By John Johnson,  Newser Staff
Posted Nov 1, 2022 11:00 AM CDT
School Debunks Senate Candidate's Litter Box Claim
GOP Senate candidate Don Bolduc speaks during a debate on Sept. 7 in Henniker, NH.   (AP Photo/Mary Schwalm, File)

Again with the litter boxes. GOP Senate candidate Don Bolduc in New Hampshire was captured on audio telling supporters that too-lenient schools were allowing students who identify as cats to lick themselves and each other and use litter boxes instead of bathrooms. "I wish I was making it up," Bolduc said at a forum in Claremont last week, per audio obtained by CNN. "I honestly wish it was a Saturday Night Live skit." His assertion that "we have furries" in classrooms—a reference to people who role-play in animal costumes—prompted Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH, to speak up, reports the Guardian.

"We want to assure our community that Mr. Bolduc's statements are entirely untrue," the school says in a statement. "We invite all political candidates to speak with members of our administration or visit our campus so they can inform themselves about our school before making claims about what occurs here." Bolduc, who CNN reports made similar comments earlier the same day in a radio interview, isn't alone. NBC News counts at least 20 conservative candidates or elected officials across the US who've publicly repeated the rumor. NBC looked into all 20 claims and found no litter boxes.

It did find one district that stocked cat litter for potential student use—Jefferson County in Colorado, where Columbine High School is located—but that's only if the school is locked down for a long period because of a school shooter. Still, the claim continues to circulate, to the point where Wikipedia now has a "Litter boxes in schools hoax" page. In New Hampshire, Bolduc is attempting to unseat Democratic Sen. Maggie Hassan, though FiveThirtyEight.com gives the incumbent a 76% chance of victory next week. (More conspiracy theories stories.)

Get the news faster.
Tap to install our app.
X
Install the Newser News app
in two easy steps:
1. Tap in your navigation bar.
2. Tap to Add to Home Screen.

X