INKSTER, N.D. – Questions are being raised about the appropriateness of a North Dakota grade school field trip to an arts showcase that featured nude works and chaperones who allegedly identified as ‘furries’.
The trip in question was organized by the Midway Public School District in Grand Forks County.
Several students from 6th through 12th grade who take part in the district’s Art Club recently attended the Fargo-Moorhead Visual Arts Studio Crawl 2025 on Saturday Oct. 4th.
According to an anonymous source with direct knowledge of the trip, Flag Family News was told about what was described as an “uncomfortable” experience that a middle school girl and her friend endured.
During the trip, the source tells Flag Family News that two of the chaperones identified themselves to the children as “furries.”
A “furry” is a person who dresses up as an animal character with human characteristics, and even identifies as one in real life even while not wearing an actual costume.
Many who are involved in the subculture attend conventions, and some even aspire to be more like the animal they identify with in costume.
The subculture is also known for having sexual undertones, with members commonly having relationships with fellow “furries.”
The source says the two chaperones, whose names were not shared, told the the students that “one identified as a cat/fox and [the other] as a bug.”
“They would make animal sounds at the kids and swing their butt around to make their tail move,” the source said.
The girl, her friend and her classmates were then taken into the Fargo homes of participating artists, which had “nudes of both men and women” as part of their featured artwork.
“How the field trip ever got the OK is beyond me,” the source said.
Flag Family News reached out to the Midway School District for comment about the trip.
The school superintendent confirmed that the arts club attended ten different studios as part of the showcase on October 4th but “have had no complaints or concerns” since then.
“I’ve spoken with both our Elementary School and Middle School Principals, and there have been no complaints from students, parents, or staff related to this field trip,” Midway School District Superintendent Austin Salyer wrote in a statement.
While Salyer did not address the accusation about the furries in his response, he did respond to the questionable artwork the children allegedly saw.
Salyer said the Art Club advisor who was in charge “was aware that the gallery contained a nude exhibit and made the decision not to bring students into that section, having reviewed and planned the visit in advance.”
“At Midway, we hold high expectations for all staff and students, and we appreciate your understanding as we work to ensure that all events uphold those standards.”