Speaks Up, Speaks Out!

Gallaudet Needs Change Now!

There are two important amendments to the United States Constitution that help to explain the rights of students at Gallaudet University.

The First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.

Here’s a breakdown: freedom of press, freedom of religion, freedom of speech, freedom to assemble, freedom to petition.

The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution states: No state shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any state deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws.

Here’s a breakdown: provides "equal protection of the law", therefore preventing discrimination in schools and "due process of law", which means being treated fairly when accused of wrongdoing.

Due process means that Gallaudet University cannot give you a serious punishment, like suspension or expulsion, without first having followed fair procedures to determine if you are guilty. Fair procedure would include: telling you exactly what you are accused of doing wrong, telling you exactly what the punishment will be, and giving you a chance to tell your side of the story before punishing you. Gallaudet University also cannot punish you more severely than other students for the same offense, without good reason. If you are found guilty of something, the punishment can’t be more serious than the misconduct was. If Gallaudet chooses to punish you, it must punish all others the same.

Speak up, speak out! Gallaudet needs change now!

Be bold, be opened, be heard!