The Information Booth

1st Vlog

2007-02-28T23:18:00.000-05:00

Pah! I've posted my first vlog! I know there are a few things wrong with this vlog. (Hey! It's my first! Gimme a break!) I know there are (wasted) space between the top frame and my head. I'll do better next time. My partner stated that I was not myself. I guess I was concerned with my webcam. I didn't know if it would be blurry or not. So far, it looks ok. Anyways, I'm excited to have finally posted a vlog.

In this vlog, I address the issue some Deaf people making homophobic remarks and insensitive comments against other minorities, particularly against the Latinos. I just thought I'd say something and raise an awareness about our comments.

ta ta...

CCI - Blog/Vlog Conference

2007-02-05T13:02:00.000-05:00

Saturday, after a meeting, I headed over for the Blogging/Vlogging Conference, hosted by the Coalition for Critical Inquiry.

I was only able to make it to the very last session. It was a panel session which focused on the impact and future of blogs and vlogs. It was moderated by Allison Kaftan and the panel consisted of Joey Baer, Tayler Mayer, Jared Evans and Shane Feldman.

It was a very interesting session about blogs and vlogs. I was particularly interested in Joey's presentation about vlogs. Several times, I've considered doing a vlog. However, I was telling Chris Kaftan that I'm overly critical of my signs. By the time I review myself before posting, I find myself deleting the entire vlog post. Maybe I should just ignore and just go ahead and post.

Another interesting thing to consider was the credibility of blogs and vlogs. I forgot who (Shane?) mentioned it but I thought was an interesting point. Mainstreamed (read: hearing) blogs and vlogs are often commentaries of news that have been reported in newspapers and in television. News in newspapers and television are supposed to be verified facts.

Ok, now, with Deaf blogs and vlogs, readers often assume or rely postings to be facts. The problem is that we don't have Deaf newspapers or television shows reporting on Deaf events. We also don't have the mainstreamed media reporting on Deaf events. So, where and how can we present verified facts in our postings?

Next, we need to raise accountability in bloggers and vloggers. Bloggers & vloggers need to explicitly clarify when something is factual and when something is of their own opinions. I believe this is going to raise everyone's (bloggers, vloggers, readers, commenters) awareness of accountability and credibility. Deaf blogs and vlogs have been in the infant stage these few years. However, with the exponential growth of Deaf bloggers and vloggers, we're moving up to the next stage. The next stage comes with maturity and scrutiny, which is needed.

Like I said, it was an interesting panel session. Also, I learned the new signs for blog and vlog. Hopefully, someone will do a vlog to show the new signs.

After that, I took the opportunity to meet bloggers in person. It was so nice to actually get to know each other. The people I met for the first time were: Jared Evans, Mike McConnell, David Evans and Joey Baer. I thought it was my first time meeting Tayler Mayer but he said that we met while we were graduate students at Gallaudet. Anyways, it was nice to meet him again. It was nice to see Katie Roberts again, after so many years. (I'm not sure if she has an active blog. I do know that she's an active commenter in many blogs.) There were a few people that I recognized but did not have a chance to formally introduce myself: Amy Cohen Efron, David Fulmer and Carl Schroeder.

Hopefully, there'll be another conference next year. If so, I do hope more Deaf bloggers and vloggers will attend.

By the way, congratulations to all the Deaf bloggers and vloggers who won the DeafRead 2006 Deaf Blogs awards! *hands waving*

PRDS Refunds Money

2007-02-01T09:38:00.000-05:00

Peachtree Rainbow Deaf Society (PRDS) has decided to refund money after stepping down as the hosting chapter for the upcoming RAD conference. RAD had initially proposed that PRDS transfer the funds to them. However, PRDS has decided not to do so. Instead, they will encourage attendants to re-register if they are still interested.

Below is the memo from PRDS:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 2/1/2007 – Atlanta, Georgia

Peachtree Rainbow Deaf Society, Inc. (PRDS) has received a proposal from the Rainbow Alliance of the Deaf (RAD) to transfer all money collected from combo ticket sales to RAD for the 2007 RAD Conference. At the January 28th membership meeting, PRDS has decided not to transfer the funds to RAD. Based on legal advice we received, it is in the best interest of the combo ticket holders and our organization that the money will be refunded to back to the individual ticket holders. The ticket holders should receive a letter including a check of the refund within 15 business days, starting February 1, 2007.

The RAD Board is taking over the 2007 RAD Conference that will be held in Atlanta. If you still wish to attend the conference, we ask that once you receive your refund, to please make a new check in the same amount payable to RAD/RAD 2007 Host Conference and mail it to Larry Pike, RAD Business Manager, 1191 Grape Street, Denver, CO 80220. It must be postmarked on or before Thursday, March 1, 2007. RAD Board will honor the same cost for the combo ticket that you paid to PRDS.

If you need more information about the upcoming 2007 RAD conference, please contact Bob Donaldson, RAD President. His e-mail is president@rad.org.

Thank you,

Members of PRDS

Support Beth

2007-01-04T13:48:00.000-05:00

Beth will be running in the Rock and Roll Marathon in Phoneix, Arizona on January 14th. She is the only Deaf person running in this marathon (as far as we know). She even has her own interpreter who is also running in the marathon. How cool is that!?!

Anyways, Beth is running for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. This Society has done numerous research with the hope of finding a cure for those afflicted. Beth has been consistent with the training. She's extremely proud that she can run 20 miles and survive. So, I'm asking you all to support her in reaching her goal. You can contribute at her donation page.

Beth is a wonderful friend of mine. Like me, she is a transplant from Texas, living in DC. I first met her at Gallaudet when we were both graduate students of ASL & Deaf Studies. We do pick on each other endlessly, yet band together when people pick on Texas. LOL She's a great person that I'm glad to have formed a friendship with.

Hervey Files for Job Back

2006-12-22T11:25:00.000-05:00

Not long after the Unity For Gallaudet protests concluded, students at the Mississippi School for the Deaf led a protest/walk-out against Pamela Hervey and Delores Mack. Ultimately, Principal Hervey and Superintendent Mack were fired.

Hervey has filed a complaint through the EEOC and wants her job back. She's playing the race card. She said she was fired because she is Black.

Below is the article that appears in the Clarion-Ledger:

Former deaf school principal files complaint

The Clarion-Ledger

Pamela Hervey, who lost her job as high school principal of the Mississippi School for the Deaf in Jackson earlier this month, has filed a complaint through the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, according to a faxed statement from her attorney, Reeves Jones.

The complaint is “seeking redress for wrongful termination of employment based on race.” Hervey is black.

The statement says that Hervey wants her job back.

“We’ve received an EEOC complaint against the department,” said Hank Bounds, state superintendent of education. “Unfortunately, it’s a personnel matter that I can’t speak to publically.”

Both Hervey and former superintendent Delores Mack lost their jobs.

At the time, Bounds would not say if their dismissals were related to a walkout of about 20 high school students.

The students protested that four of their 26 teachers are not proficient in sign language.

The Mississippi School for the Deaf enrolls 118 students and the School for the Blind enrolls 70.

Silent Night

2006-12-15T09:12:00.001-05:00

I wasn't able to watch CSI:NY on Wednesday night because I was teaching a class. So, I had it TiVO'd. Last night, came home, warmed up some tamales and watched the 'Silent Night' episode.

Overall, it was a pretty good show.

Of course, yesterday, I had read blogs where there were many criticism on the episode. And of course, as a Deaf person, I was analyzing everything and making comments to my partner, who was watching as well.

I was more critical on Marlee Matlin than any of the other Deaf actors. I dunno. I just seemed that Marlee just could not act in that episode. I've seen better acting of hers in other shows, such as Reasonable Doubts, Picket Fences and Law & Order:SVU. I do have to agree with some bloggers that her lines were cheesy, especially at the end. "I wish I could help you." "I speak with my hands. You speak with your eyes." *gag*

I found it interesting that many Deaf bloggers and commenters have complained about her using her voice in the CSI episode. I was like, "hello! Isn't that like her trademark?" Correct me if I'm wrong when I say the next sentence. I do not think there is a movie or a television episode where she has not used her voice.

I thought Russell Harvard did a great job. Of course, I might be biased because he's my fraternity brother. Nonetheless, he did a great job. Of course, I wished he had a bit more exposure on the show. I had to laugh because I thought "Russell, a bad guy? Toting a shotgun?"

Like I said, I thought it was a good episode. Could it have been done better? Sure. However, I am cautious and observant about how critical we, Deafies, are of the episode. Bloggers and commenters have shown concerns, disappointment and other reactions. Many were concerned about the Deaf actors voicing on the show. Many were concerned about the cop (Jerry Ferris) have a dual role as an interpreter. Many were concerned about the portrayal of a Deaf person's ability to read lips. Some were concerned about the vibrations identifying the exact murder weapon. Some were concerned about the portrayal of the Deaf family involved in a crime or their stance in assistive devices/real world.

First of all, Hollywood glamorizes everything. Do all Deafies use their voice? No. Are there cops that can interpret? I'm sure there very few. Should an interpreter from an agency be called in? Definitely. Can Deaf people read lips? Only some with varying skills. (Remember that lip reading isn't an exact science.) Can Deaf people read lips expertly at a distance, especially at night? That's like 99.9% impossible. Can Deaf people help the police and forensic crime specialists/investigators identify weapons merely by vibrations? Oh please.

But you know what? That's Hollywood. Let's look at the real life of CSI. CSI's aren't all gorgeous and model-like. CSI's don't work in offices and labs encased in glass. These lab testings and results do not occur within seconds or minutes. They take days and weeks before results are produced.

I remember reading an article about real-life CSI's. When CSI (the one based in Las Vegas) started to be come popular, many people enrolled at local colleges and universities to be a CSI. The instructors said that the work of a CSI is actually very boring and tedious. Hollywood was just glamorizing everything.

So, while we wished that 'Silent Night' could have been done differently, let's be thankful for the exposure and the use of our Deaf actors. Of course, I'm not saying let's just sit back and do nothing. Continue to write letters to Hollywood but at the same time, let's be thankful for the exposure.

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Tonight is the monthly Deaf GLBT coffee social.

Starbucks in Capitol Hill
237 Pennsylvania Ave, SE
Washington, DC 20003

Upstairs (go all the way to the back for the stairs)
7pm to 10pm

Closest Metro:
Capitol South
Eastern Market

See you there!

Terps at Voting Booths

2006-10-30T13:15:00.000-05:00

Interpreters, via video, will be placed near voting booths for Deaf voters in San Antonio, TX.

See article here from San Antonio Express-News.

This could be possibly be the first time anything like this has been done. This could also impact other voting booths across the nation.

Can anyone tell me if there's been video relays placed in voting booths before?

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Meanwhile, there are mixed reactions to Gallaudet's Board of Trustees terminating Dr. Jane K. Fernandes as president.

Some are jubilant.

Some are upset.

Some are uncertain.

Some are relieved.

Yet, some are cautious if the protest is really over. Some are cautious about the future.

You can check up on mixed reactions via DeafRead.com and DeafDC.com

JK's Brief Statement

2006-10-29T17:53:00.001-05:00

Signature: Gallaudet University - Public Relations/Visitors Center

Statement by Jane K. Fernandes

“It is with deep regret that I heard the Board’s decision to
terminate my contract.

“I love Gallaudet University and I believe I could have made a
significant contribution to its future. I hope that the Gallaudet
community can heal the wounds that have been created. I trust that we
all want a stronger, better, more inclusive Gallaudet where ASL and Deaf
culture have been and always will be at the core of academic and
community life.”

IKJ's Statement

2006-10-29T17:47:00.001-05:00

Signature: Gallaudet University - Public Relations/Visitors Center

Statement by I. King Jordan

“The struggle during the past several months has been very painful for
all of us. I am deeply troubled by the divisions among us and by the
anger that overtook reason, respect, and civility.

“Now we must all come together for the sake of Gallaudet, particularly
for the sake of Gallaudet's students--those who are our students now and
those who will be students in the future.

“I want to thank Jane Fernandes for her dedication and courage and her
standing up for what's right. I am personally saddened--for Gallaudet
and for Dr. Jane K. Fernandes--that she will not have the opportunity to
show Gallaudet and the world what a great president she could have been.
Her vision and her plans to make that vision come to life would have
guided the university we all love into a bright future. The Board of
Trustees saw that promise when they selected Dr. Fernandes as president.
In order to resolve the current stalemate the Board has deemed it
necessary to steer a different course, and I accept their decision. Now
we must all put down our weapons of words and seek to restore a sense of
community.

“In my Town Hall speech last November I said there is more that
unites us than divides us. I think we lost sight of that for a time and
we must work together to refocus on the core values that unite us. We
should not look for a resolution to the struggle of recent months in
terms of winners and losers. If we do, Gallaudet and our students will
be the losers.”

JK REMOVED!

2006-10-29T17:38:00.000-05:00

Signature: Gallaudet University - Public Relations/Visitors Center

TO: Campus Community

FROM: Board of Trustees

DATE: October 29, 2006

RE: Board of Trustees Meeting

Today, we announce with much regret and pain that after serious
deliberation in a special, all-day Executive Session of the Board of
Trustees, we have voted to terminate Dr. Fernandes' appointment
asPresident-Designate (currently effective) and President
(effectivebeginning January 1, 2007) at Gallaudet University.

We understand the impact of this decision and the important issues that
inherently arise when a Board re-examines decisions in the face of an
on-going protest. The Board believes that it is in the best interests of
the University to terminate Dr. Fernandes from the incoming President's
position. Although undoubtedly there will be some members of the
community who have differing views on the meaning of this decision, we
believe that it is a necessity at this point. The Board is continuing to
meet to discuss transitional issues.

It has certainly been a difficult and trying time for our Gallaudet
community. Now is the time for healing. The hope of the Board of
Trustees is for our beloved community to come together to work for a
stronger and better Gallaudet.

The Greeks Speak Out

2006-10-27T14:25:00.000-05:00

On October 17th, the National Board of the Phi Kappa Zeta Sorority has issued an open letter, stating that Jane Fernandes must resign.

On October 26th, the International Alpha Sigma Pi Alumni Association has issued an open letter, also stating that Jane Fernandes must resign.

Today, on October 27th, the Kappa Gamma International, Inc. has followed suit.

Below are the letters:

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PKZ -

October 17, 2006

This open letter is to declare our support for the student, alumni, faculty, and staff protesters at Gallaudet University, many of whom are Sisters of the Phi Kappa Zeta Sorority.

The members of the National Board of the Phi Kappa Zeta Sorority are very concerned about the serious crisis that is presently occurring on the Gallaudet University campus. We are aghast and heartsick that President, Dr. I King Jordan, ordered the arrest of students. We strongly believe this was a travesty, and take umbrage to Dr. Jordan’s statement that he had no choice in the matter. We believe that neither Dr. Jordan nor president designate Dr. Jane Fernandes have demonstrated leadership in resolving this crisis.

Furthermore, we express indignation at Dr. Fernandes’s editorial in The Washington Post, published the morning after the arrests of 134 students, staff, and alumni, in which she once again plays deaf-identity politics. We recognize that “all kinds of deaf people” are involved in this protest, and we want to protect and preserve the long history of our beloved alma mater.

We support the need for change in leadership and improved conditions at Gallaudet. We strongly believe that there is only one resolution to this crisis: Dr. Jane Fernandes must step down or be removed for the good of the university.

The National Board of the Phi Kappa Zeta Sorority

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ΑΣΠ -

October 26, 2006

For three weeks now, our beloved alma mater has been in turmoil. The members of the Alpha Sigma Pi Fraternity are concerned about the events happening on campus.

The members of the Executive Board of the International Alpha Sigma Pi Alumni Association recognize that there is a crisis on campus and that the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees has not responded in any way to the current situation on campus, instead leaving it up to President Jordan to resolve the issue – and he has not been able to do so in ways to de-escalate the situation.

We believe that neither Dr. Jordan nor president designate Dr. Jane Fernandes have demonstrated leadership in resolving this crisis.

We recognize that the Gallaudet Board of Trustees is preparing to meet on Sunday, October 29, and we hope that the Board of Trustees recognizes the need for change and action at Gallaudet.

We support the need for change in leadership and improved conditions at Gallaudet. We strongly believe that there is only one resolution to this crisis: Dr. Jane Fernandes must step down or be removed for the good of the university. Although the Executive Board recognizes that this is not the only solution but is the first step in the path towards change, reconciliation and healing at Gallaudet.

-The International Alpha Sigma Pi Alumni Association.

**********

ΚΓ -

KAPPA GAMMA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
STATEMENT ON THE GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY LEADERSHIP CRISIS

Kappa Gamma International, Inc. is the alumni association of Kappa Gamma Fraternity, the oldest fraternity on Kendall Green. Since 1901, our 1,800 alumni and honorary brothers have served with honor and distinction as leaders and active participants in the Deaf community nationally and internationally. We are proud to be a part of our alma mater. Each and every one of us loves Gallaudet, and is true to Gallaudet and the ideals for which it stands. We want nothing but the best for the university and its students.

Nearly six months ago, the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees selected Dr. Jane K. Fernandes as the ninth president of Gallaudet University. This decision has been roundly and soundly decried. Nearly every constituency of the university has expressed grave concern about Dr. Fernandes’s ability to lead the university.

The Nobel laureate Elie Wiesel said, “There may be times when we are powerless to prevent injustice, but there must never be a time when we fail to protest.” We agree, and for that reason we have supported the protests that began in May and continue to this day. We also have provided support to our brothers who have given of their time and energy to be involved in this collaborative effort.

At the same time, we have watched the escalation of the protests with consternation and alarm. We are concerned for the students at Gallaudet University and the Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center. We are similarly anxious about our brothers and other members of the community who have put their education, their livelihoods, and even their lives at risk. We are dismayed and disgusted at what we have seen: the mass arrests on Friday, October 13, the “postponement” of official Homecoming activities that was announced on Tuesday, October 17, and the razing of the encampment at the Brentwood gate on Wednesday, October 25 were particularly egregious incidents, and we condemn them in the strongest possible terms.

Within our ranks, we have had calls to withdraw our children, many of whom are second, third, and even fourth generation Gallaudet students, and some of whom are Kappa Gamma brothers. Those of us with young children who are deaf and hard of hearing are reassessing their children’s post-secondary education options. Finally, a large number of our brothers have decided to withhold charitable giving to the university pending resolution of this crisis.

As concerned, pragmatic observers, we recognize that the truth is elusive, and that we need to continue to seek the truth. We recognize that both sides are passionate in their beliefs and resolute in their convictions. We also acknowledge that there has been a great deal of miscommunication, misunderstanding, and misappropriation, and that no single, simple resolution of this crisis is likely to satisfy all stakeholders. We call for a dialogue between people on all sides of the issue—people who are willing to speak and act in good faith, people who can commit their constituencies and larger audiences to a mutual resolution of immediate concerns and shared “ownership” of long-range concerns.

At the same time, we have concluded that this dialogue and subsequent healing cannot begin as long as Dr. Fernandes remains “in the picture.” Ending this impasse must begin with Dr. Fernandes’ resignation or removal. We urge the Board of Trustees, Dr. Jordan, Dr. Fernandes, and the community within and beyond Kendall Green to work together to resolve this impasse. One it has been resolved, we hope that everyone will work toward the ultimate goal: a better Gallaudet for all.

KAPPA GAMMA INTERNATIONAL, INC.
OCTOBER 27, 2006

**********

By the way, it isn't just members of the fraternities and sororities speaking out but members of other collegiate and outside departments & organizations speaking out. Such are:

Graduate Student Association (GSA)
Dept. of Mathematics & Computer Science
Texas Association of the Deaf (TAD)
Maine Assciation of the Deaf (MEAD)

...and many more!

Letters continue to pour in from Gallaudet alumni and notables. Even the Seniors of MSSD have issued a letter, stating their support of the protest.

Somehow, the deaths of Eric Plunkett and Benjamin Varner came into the picture. Carl Plunkett, father of Eric, wrote an editorial in the Washington Post.

Sammy Wasilowski has responded to Carl's editorial. So has the former RA's, CRE and GA who have brought in further evidence of JK's ineffective management as a leader.

Keep checking open letters and press releases at GUFSSA.org

At this point, people are currently emailing Dr. Tom Humphries at Thumphries@ucsd.edu to inform him that they do not support Jane Fernandes as the next president of Gallaudet University.

Unity for Gallaudet!

Big Tent Where?

2006-10-20T08:31:00.000-05:00

We've all heard about the massive tent was being put up yesterday. It was said that I. King Jordan threatened to have the people arrested if they continued to putting the tent.

I drove by this morning and it wasn't there. Was it put away or was it relocated?

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On Audism:

Someone sent out a mass email, via Gallaudet, with a PowerPoint attachment titled "Legacy of Audism". ( <- html version) Basically said that without Jesus Christ, audism will prevail. Ummm, call me a pessimistic but there's still racism, sexism and other -ism's alive and kicking everywhere, including the Christian areas.

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Other Gallaudet Protests News:

- Vermont reports on the Gallaudet protests.

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Other Deaf News:

- The Deaf of Martha's Vineyard is the central subject of the island's play.

- Mopix movie technology for the Deaf & Blind gaining awareness.

- NMSD student charged for raping another student.

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ta ta...

Tent City in San Antonio

2006-10-19T10:32:00.000-05:00

I'm excited because Jay & Terri Levine have spearheaded a Tent City Rally scheduled for this coming Sunday in San Antonio, my beloved hometown.

I truly wish that I could fly to San Antonio and be with the Deafies there. Nonetheless, I am proud that they will be showing support for FSSA.

Be sure to check out their blog, San Antonio for FSSA.

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Other News on Gallaudet Protests:

- GWU's Student Association President Lamar Thorpe's use of funds for Gallaudet protests caused concerns.

- Washington Post provides a brief dossier on Jane Fernandes.

Other Deaf News:

- WPSD opens a new $3.6 million Children's Center.

- Court still upholds ruling that UPS cannot discriminate against the Deaf as delivery truck drivers.

- Italian Father Filippo Smaldone, a.k.a. Apostle of the Deaf-Mutes, has been canonized.

- Students of Donaldson's School for the Deaf will star in an upcoming documentary.

- A Jacksboro, Tennessee man has been charged for making an obscene call, via Relay, to a 10 year-old girl.

- Idaho Board of Education remains uncertain if ISDB will be closed or not.

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Ta ta for now...

Hello!

2006-10-19T09:31:00.000-05:00

In light of the current Gallaudet protests, I decided to create this blog, separate from my regular blog, that addresses Deaf-related issues and news.

Of course, I doubt I could even catch up to the likes of Elisa, Ridor, Elizabeth, DeafRead, DeafDC and others in regards to the Gallaudet protests. They have continuously provided updates and reports.

However, I thought I'd post whatever I can as well as include other Deaf news from around the world.

Ta ta...