NTID and RIT presidents released a strong statement in support of ASL & English on April 12, 2016.
The statement is clearly in response to the AG Bell Association’s attack on ASL and Deaf culture reacting to a short write up in the Washington Post praising Nyle DiMarco’s (whose mom is an NTID alumni) Foundation supporting ASL for Deaf children so they have bilingualism and Kindergarten readiness.
Their letter uses D/d as some members of our communities do not identify with Deaf culture but are deaf. I believe this may be one of the first times RIT/NTID has used the capital D and while i see people who do not identify as being Culturally Deaf as still being D because we dont lower case J for Jewish or a for Asian or n for Native american to signify the diversity within those groups – i understand why Presidents Destler and Buckley chose to go with D/d and im thrilled to see them being inclusive of D as most other organizations or universities or individuals opted to go with d only.
The NTID Alumni Association has also released a letter – it can be seen at https://www.facebook.com/NTIDAA/ (scroll down to Statement in response to Sugar’s letter). I’m facebook free so when i try to click the document – i cant see it unless logging in. if anyone would like to copy and paste it in the comment box that would be great.
Many other great letters have come out by individuals and organizations and there has been a more thorough examination of the AG Bell association and its bigotry against ASL and Deaf culture.
Not sure if the Gallaudet Student Body Government ever received a response from AG Bell Association Pres Sugar in regards to their invitation to meet with them at Gallaudet. If they have not – i hope they will follow up with a phone call or a visit to Volta Bureau.
PEOPLE OF TH HandEYE -…first, last, and all the time” – g. veditz 1910 