Thanks for Writing: Gender, Communications, and Representations on School Boards

• In Event: Interest Groups, Voting, and Participation in School District Politics

Abstract

The Constitution gives citizens the right to petition elected officials, and previous research shows constituent communication to be a key aspect of representation for legislator accountability and shaping policy focus (see Broockman 2014; Grose et al. 2015). At the same time, evidence suggests some elected officials are more likely to reply than others, notably women, suggesting not all communications receive the same type of response (Swers 2013; Thomsen and Sanders 2020). Yet, as these communications are often private, little is known about what they say, what type of response they generate, and when they influence policy. Who communicates with local officials? And when they do, who receives a response? This study uses public records requests of communications relating to masks, vaccines, and critical race theory to and from over 600 schools boards to examine the conditions under which petitions to elected officials produce a communicative response and generate policy attention. Results suggest that while response rates vary among board members, women are more likely to reach out to school boards, and school boards with a greater share of female members are more likely to respond. These results raise concerns about the quality of representation provided by local elected officials and the role of gender and access in school board decision making.

Author

• Nicole Kalaf-Hughes, Bowling Green State University