The Delicate Handling of Equity Work in Conservative Communities

Promoting Student Voice Even on Sensitive Subjects

The Corning-Painted Post Area School District in New York’s rural Southern Tier has a tradition of supporting student voice in public. The high school student yearbook, which has received national recognition over the years, carries considerably more than just class photographs and pages for autographing.

Students take in-depth examinations of sensitive issues such as banned books, teen pregnancy, dress codes and school safety. The publication, which includes a video team, carries in-depth articles on subjects that matter to students. Though some of the journalists’ coverage has raised concerns among community members, educators remain supportive. The district’s mission statement reads: “Students are the center of all we do.”

Given this, it’s no surprise that Michelle Caulfield, Corning-Painted Post’s superintendent since 2020, embraces the developmental needs and interests of students when it comes to promoting issues of racial and gender equity. She has worked in the 4,400-student district for 23 years.

What follows is an edited transcript of a recent interview of Caulfield conducted by Graig Meyer of The Equity Collaborative.

Tell us something about the history of equity work in Corning.

Caulfield: When we started doing the work back in 2017, it was because some of our students of color were sharing their stories with us, and we realized they needed our support and that our student community needed some education. That work has evolved over the years to become focused on our LGBTQ community.

The race issues are still here, but the focus for some adults has shifted. Our students have built a strong Queer Straight Alliance club that’s well integrated into the school. They have hosted some after-school programs and expanded to include a club at the middle school. The kids are leading the work, which is what we want to have happen.

Describe some concerns or challenges the district has faced as you continue this work.

Caulfield: We know that as a K-12 public school, we support all students. We also know that education can be very personal for families. We have had some concerns from some parents that this movement in school does not align with their religious beliefs. They are concerned about the attention given to LGBTQ and asking where the safe space is for their children with those religious beliefs.

Have religious issues entered into the public discussions?

Caulfield: This year, we have a strong student-led religious club, the Jesus Club. They are equally as active as the students of the Queer Straight Alliance club. The QSA had its own event in the evening at school. The Jesus Club was able to host an event in the evening at school as well. We are doing our best to make sure all students feel supported, making sure they have a voice, a safe space for conversations and usage of our facilities. We also have an obligation to follow state law and state education agency regulations. We keep those parameters in mind with all of our work.

Does your experience pushing forward on equity work amidst opposition lend any advice to others?

Caulfield: We have learned many lessons along the way. Communication is key — listening and engaging the community are essential. Make sure your district’s policies align with the work you want to do. Highlight student voices often so your community understands there is work to be done. This work can’t be driven by the administration or the school board alone.

Meet directly with those who raise questions or have concerns. Don’t avoid them. For us, it was important to stay focused on kids and educate students, staff and family about the law and regulations. I remind concerned families that fighting the school district or board does not change the law. Our job is to create a warm and welcoming environment for all students and make sure they are academically and socially, emotionally prepared for their next step in life.

What are you doing to be proactive about equity work?

Caulfield: We began this work five years ago and are still committed to it. Our three-year strategic plan is developed in collaboration with administrators, teachers, staff, students and families. Equity is a foundation of that plan. We also hosted an Equity Day in spring 2023, which allowed our community to hear directly from a diverse student panel. We invited families, local government officials, health care providers and religious leaders from the community to hear them speak.

What’s keeping you personally committed to the work?

Caulfield: Over the last 27 years in education, I have internalized that it is our responsibility to create safe and supportive environments for our students. Our equity work will continue and evolve, along with our student population and the world in which we live. I am proud of the steps we are taking together, which will ultimately allow every student to be successful and do their best work.