Campus life at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh has grown increasingly lively as the campus recently approved a formal club for participants in the furry subculture, aiming to address a rising interest in this community, according to the New York Post.
The College Fix reports, the new group, called “Plattsfur,” received the green light last month to accommodate an uptick in 20-somethings who identify as furries. These students typically wear full-body animal costumes and embrace anthropomorphic personas. Plattsburgh’s Student Association approved Plattsfur in an 11–1 vote on November 16, describing it as a “safe space for furries to socialize and create content.”
The club currently has 17 members and has recently hosted a campfire gathering, according to Cardinal Points, the campus newspaper. One member, junior anthropology major Styx Williams, explained to Student Government members, “Originally, this started with a handful of us that were friends that kind of just found out that we’re all furries,”
According to The Post, nationwide, more than 75% of furries are under the age of 25, and about 60% report being enrolled in college, per the International Anthropomorphic Research Project. There are more than 100 clubs worldwide, according to the Research Project. The furry community encompasses fans, artists, writers, gamers, and role-players who often craft and identify with a unique animal character or “fursona.” Furry sub-genres span a wide range, from Bronies—men who dress as characters from My Little Pony—to fans who portray foxes, dragons, wolves, and other creatures.
In recent years, furry student organizations have grown in number at colleges across the country, reflecting broader interest in the hobby and its social dimensions. Other colleges that have approved furry clubs include Minnesota State University, California Polytechnic State University and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, according to Fox News.