Someone once said that the definition of insanity is to do the same stupid thing over and over again--expecting different results. Sound familiar in Deaf education?
Ask: What is Gallaudet University for? Answer: The same stupid thing!
Gallaudet University's proposed Hearing Sciences and Language Services building, subtly known as Sorenson Language and Communication Center (SLCC), ignores the fact that Deaf people, especially Deaf babies across the nation and in Canada, need American Sign Language (ASL) more than ever. Rather than researching ASL for k-12 education, Gallaudet University chooses to prepare Deaf students for a transition to hearing sciences and language services...the same stupid thing!
As someone who grew up in two different languages and cultures, Gebarentaal/ASL and Dutch/American respectively, people asked me almost daily why Gallaudet University continues its ill-fated mission in higher education? "Why aren't Deaf people outraged and protesting on the campus like those across the nation?" "What is next in Deaf education?" "Cued language?" My reply: Gallaudet University does not teach democracy; it offers hearing sciences and language services...the same stupid thing!
Although there is a mounting anti-SLCC sentiment (even by many people at Gallaudet), many people made it clear to me by their random acts of kindness they don't hate the university administration, just those who promote hearing sciences and language services...the same stupid thing!
I tried to assure them that housing ASL/Deaf Studies was right around the corner and that a majority of the faculty now wants to use more ASL. "Just be patient," I told myself, "and changes will be made." Well, now is our chance. Now is our time to stop insanity at Gallaudet University. Hearing sciences and language services are the same stupid thing!
I join with others who value ASL in calling for our alma mater to bring ASL on the table in its Faculty Senate now. We want to see a faculty vote that indicates ASL belongs in higher learning and teaching and has an equal status with its spoken and written counterpart, English in academia (English 101 = ASL 101, etc.). Gallaudet University needs to bring a flag where it is never flown. Ideally, the flag is the co-existence of ASL and English, not hearing sciences and language services...the same stupid thing!
Friday, June 22, 2007
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3 comments:
I feel you. I wonder if perhaps Gallaudet Students should look into groups of small protestors rotating the march quietly around the new proposed SLCC. Even if it takes the whole year..someone will notice it and make it known nationally. This way, the students are not disrupting the daily educational endeavors thus NOT benefiting the head honchos at Gallaudet to say..see see the students are_________.
If the students can show the world that they can protest peacefully while continuing to get education, the impact in the end may be BIG and worthwhile.
Carl,
Very well said!
It is sad that this is happening. One would have thought that we'd all have learned the lessons of Milan 1880. :o(
Best,
Erick
Aloha Carl,
I wonder if the SLCC agenda ,
including strategies, designed by both Jordan and Fernandes in 2004-05 is being carried on by the new administration. It is my understanding from a faculty member that Jordan is on campus
on a regular basis. My question is
"What is Jordan doing on campus?"
Is he around to influence his
SLCC ideas?
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