Batavia schools look to boost diversity after allegations of racism, homophobia in the district

Batavia’s public school officials are looking to boost the district’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts after students and staff members recently alleged racial and homophobic harassment throughout this school year.

Batavia Public School District 101 officials at the Feb. 22 board meeting outlined a plan that included drafting an equity statement, offering districtwide equity training and forming a committee to write a formal action plan by the end of the academic year.

“Again, it’s what is our commitment? What does it mean we say we are striving to be an equitable district?” Superintendent Lisa Hichens said.

Earlier this year, a committee comprised of students, parents and teachers collected data based on surveys and focus groups that included 150 people to look at the district’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.

Among their observations, the committee said some populations of students feel unsafe and that they’re not included or respected by their peers, said Martin Beirne, a student representative on the committee.

“As a student at BHS and an LGBTQ student, I care deeply that all voices are heard and about tackling all forms of racism, queer phobia, ableism and all types of bigotry in Batavia’s schools and to make school a safe and equitable environment,” Beirne said.

“Indicating a sense of urgency and a willingness to engage in meaningful change, more than one third of staff members would like to see more progress toward making the learning environment more welcoming and inclusive,” the committee said. “In focus groups, staff acknowledged that, while we are making some progress, there are still opportunities for improvement.”

Kim Anderson, a Grace McWayne Elementary School teacher and Batavia parent who is Black, said during the public comment portion of the Feb. 22 meeting that her daughters only had two teachers and one counselor of color and dealt with “micro-aggressions” and “overt situations” because of their race.

“For those of you believing this issue is new, I assure you that it is not,” Anderson said. “For those of you who feel that this issue is an old one, I can assure you that it is not.”

Board members acknowledged concerns from students and staff that progress on action had been slow.

“To actually see progress with dates is very inspiring, and I feel like we’re on the right track,” board member Chris Lowe said. “I think we’ve done a lot of work, but I think we need to make sure that the people we’re trying to support understand that process and feel supported during that process.

“It’s good that we have short- and long-terms goals, but we have seniors who have been suffering their entire career and are graduating in a couple months. It would be nice if we could do something to support them.”

Staff members have recommended the district hire a full-time expert to work on diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

“If there has continued to be a red flag in our district vision, however, it has been not having a coherent plan for the tangible timeline attached so all know the way forward together,” Batavia Education Association President Todd Swanson said. “Will there be a DEI committee? Will there be a DEI coach or coordinator? What will professional development look like around the topic of DEI in the future?”