A senior at Tully Central Schools was asked to be in the school newspaper’s senior spotlight, only to be asked to censor his response to the biggest challenge he has had to overcome, to which he responded, “growing up gay and coming out.” This censorship request came to the student from the school principal at the request of the Superintendent.  A recent letter posted by the Superintendent stated that he approved this censorship out of a desire to avoid further “controversy.” This decision by the school principal and Superintendent comes on the heels of the Superintendent's request in September 2021 that the Tully Elementary School social worker not include mention of his husband in his community newsletter bio.

These actions taken by district officials are in clear violation of the NYS Dignity for All Students Act (DASA), which “seeks to provide the State’s public elementary and secondary school students with a safe and supportive environment free from discrimination, intimidation, taunting, harassment, and bullying on school property, a school bus and/or at a school function.” 

In response to these recent actions, the undersigned are requesting the following actions, especially in light of the Superintendents inadequate response that offered no apology, accountability, or future action:

• The immediate suspension of the Junior Senior High School principal and Superintendent of Schools
• An independent investigation into these and related actions
• School-wide education, training and materials for staff that enforce diversity and inclusion
• The creation and implementation of a diversity-rich curriculum for high school students, including LGBTQIA+ as well as other minority groups

As a broader Tully community, we demand action be taken to not only rectify this situation, but to ensure that all current and future LGBTQIA+ students and staff are safe and supported at Tully Central Schools, as required by New York State laws and the New York Civil Liberties Union. 

Sincerely,

The Tully Community & Alumni