The Brevard Public Schools’ dress code policy has become a topic of debate as the school board discussed the possibility of banning “furry” attire, including animal tails, ears, and dog collars, according to a report from Florida Today.
The policy, which has not yet passed, will likely prohibit attire that “emulates non-human characteristics.”
The furry attire was the primary focus of the board’s discussion.
Board member Megan Wright mentioned that the subject emerged repeatedly in a survey with over 2,000 student comments.
Board Chair Matt Susin expressed his disapproval of students wearing animal costumes and engaging in behaviors like meowing or barking.
“I’m all about trying to find a way that that is not acceptable in any way, because what it does is, they then do the barking and all the other weird stuff,” he said.
“Furries” are individuals interested in anthropomorphic animal characters and may wear accessories or costumes representing their chosen animal persona, Florida Today explains.
Ex-Moms for Liberty member Katie Delaney said she disagreed with allowing kids to dress up as animals: “It’s not just kids wearing cute cat ears on their headbands,” she said.
“It’s a boy, a high school boy, walking a girl on a leash. That happened at our high school. That’s not OK. That’s not safety. That’s not creating a safe environment for our children.”
The issue has gained national attention and become a talking point for the GOP, with concerns that protections for LGBTQ students could lead to accommodations for kids identifying as animals.
Some board members who support the ban argue that it could help prevent targeted bullying toward students who choose to wear furry attire.
