NAPERVILLE, IL — Congressional candidate Catalina Lauf recently took to Twitter to claim that debunked theories about schools offering litter boxes in gender neutral bathrooms for children identifying as animals or "furries" were "not a hoax."

Lauf, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Bill Foster (D, IL-11) in the November general election, tweeted in response to an Oct. 3 article shared by CNN reporter Andrew Kaczynski. Kaczynski shared an article he wrote calling the litter box theory an "internet hoax" after Minnesota Republican gubernatorial candidate Scott Jensen denounced the rumored litter boxes in a speech to supporters.

Lauf responded, "Andrew — with all due respect, this is not a hoax, and is happening in schools in Illinois, too."

In December 2021, a parent who attended a school board meeting in Michigan claimed local schools had a "litter box for kids that identify as cats.” The litter box conspiracy theory again gained traction as the 2022-23 school year started.

In June, Lauf won the Republican primary race for a chance at a seat in Illinois's 11th District. Her political platform supports removing Critical Race Theory from schools and enforcing securing U.S. borders against illegal immigration.

Lauf did not immediately respond to Patch's request for comment Wednesday afternoon.

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