Update from the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Steering Committee

The Baldwinsville Central School District’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Steering Committee is composed of about 50 students, staff, teachers, administrators, Board of Education members, parents and community members. The vision of this committee is stated in the Board adopted mission statement:

The BCSD is committed to providing an inclusive and equitable environment for all students, staff and families. We value and embrace diversity within our schools and our community. We believe that each individual is unique, and acceptance of our individual differences regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status, sexual orientation, age, abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, and other ideologies provides an opportunity for all to enhance their knowledge, recognize their value, and grow to reach their full potential. Through our work we will ensure that all students are prepared to live productive and responsible lives as citizens in the ever changing global community.

In spite of the pandemic, the DEI Steering Committee (formed in 2018) has continued to work toward its stated goals. With guidance from the larger committee, there are subcommittees representing each building, along with a community group and a student group. 

In May 2021, the New York State Board of Regents adopted a policy on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion expressing its expectation that all school districts will develop policies that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are proud to report our District is well on its way to address inclusive and culturally responsive teaching and learning, family and community engagement and workforce diversity. 

Culturally Responsive Teaching and Learning

To support districts, the New York State Education Department recently released the Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education Framework .The framework provides guidance on the following four principles:

• welcoming and affirming environment

• high expectations and rigorous instruction

• inclusive curriculum and assessment

• ongoing professional learning and support  

The DEI Steering Committee is focused on supporting the goals of the CR-S Framework and the policy set forth by The New York State Board of Regents.

What is a Culturally Responsive-Sustaining Education (CR-S)?

The New York State Education Department defines culturally responsive-sustaining education as being “grounded in a cultural view of learning and human development in which multiple expressions of diversity (e.g., race, social class, gender, language, sexual orientation, nationality, religion, ability) are recognized and regarded as assets for teaching and learning. You may have heard the term “critical race theory” and wondered if this is being taught in our schools. As stated by New York State Regents Chancellor Lester Young, he rejects the notion that the Regents are adopting a critical race theory policy (The Daily Gazette, May 10, 2021) The District does encourage staff to engage in culturally responsive teaching and learning practices. This includes identifying and celebrating students’ assets, creating a welcoming environment where all students are treated with respect and dignity, fostering authentic and caring relationships with students, and ensuring our curriculum represents multiple perspectives, cultures, and backgrounds to name a few. It is through this lens that the DEI Steering Committee is working to support all students and families. By fostering an environment of belonging, inclusion and equity, our students will be better prepared for the ever-changing global community.