---
title: "The department's picture looks like a meme, but the intention of the authors has not been proven"
url: https://media.yoora.tech/en/articles/education-department-meme-intent-unproven
lang: en
published: 2026-10-30T22:28:54+00:00
updated: 2026-10-30T22:28:54+00:00
section: "Hype check"
description: "WIRED saw a reference to a radical fan meme in a school illustration from the US Department of Education. The similarity of the images does not reveal the intention of the creators of the post."
---

# The department's picture looks like a meme, but the intention of the authors has not been proven

Briefly: The US Department of Education posted on social media an image of schoolchildren near a Harry Potter-themed castle with a call to make learning magical. WIRED writes that the blonde girl in the foreground is reminiscent of the "Malfoid" image from certain online communities. The article examines the origins of this character and how he is used by radical groups. Critics see the image as a possible signal to such an audience. The department did not provide a direct explanation for the character’s choice: it responded to the editor’s request with a quote from the book.

Why the conclusion about the intentional signal remains controversial: the article shows visual similarities and user reactions, but does not provide drafts, correspondence between designers, or admissions from officials that would confirm the intent. The blond hair, school uniform, and fairytale castle may also refer to the franchise's usual tropes. Pointing out possible context and asking the agency is wise, especially when official communication uses Internet memes. But it is impossible to say that the state is consciously promoting a specific radical idea based on just one picture. This is where the size of the news matters: a bad or ambiguous illustration is worth checking, but it does not prove a change in educational policy. So far, the post itself, the similarity with the meme, and the lack of a clear response from the department have been established; the motive remains unknown.