Growing up and attending school should be a nurturing, safe experience for every student. As a therian, a person who identifies spiritually or psychologically as an animal, my journey through the school system has been far from comfortable. I, along with many others, endure daily bullying and ridicule simply because of our identity. Misunderstood and mislabeled as 'furries,' a separate community with its own culture, we are constantly facing derogatory comments and social alienation.

The bullying is not just harmless teasing; it leaves lasting emotional scars. For many therians, this constant torment leads to severe anxiety and depression, feelings of not belonging, and a poor educational experience. According to a study by the National Institute of Mental Health, bullied adolescents are more than twice as likely to develop depression, and this statistic rings true in our community. LAUSD—the Los Angeles Unified School District—has a responsibility to ensure an inclusive environment for all its students, inclusive of those who might not fit the traditional molds.

To resolve this, we urge LAUSD to implement comprehensive anti-bullying measures specifically aimed at protecting therians. These should include creating awareness programs to educate both students and faculty about therians, their identities, and ensuring that our rights to a harassment-free education are upheld. Teachers and staff should be trained to recognize therian-specific bullying and know how to address it effectively.

Moreover, schools should establish safe spaces where therians and other marginalized students can exist without fear of bullying or judgment. This initiative can be further supported by encouraging clubs or groups that foster understanding and unity among diverse identities within the school.

By taking these actions, LAUSD can set a precedent for other school districts nationwide, promoting a culture of acceptance and respect. It's time to ensure that every student has the right to feel safe and accepted at school. Sign this petition to call on LAUSD to recognize and protect therians so they can thrive in their educational journey as their true selves.