Third Town Hall Meeting?
Do we need the third town hall meeting?
I heard a lot of comments in the RSD and deaf communities that we need to have the third town hall meeting. There are so many issues which are not yet discussed in the last two town hall meetings. So, do you want the third?
23 Comments:
Having participated in many conversations with various individuals and groups, I observe that there is a GREAT need for a third town hall meeting. However, I'm particularly concerned for those who have been "silenced." How do we get them to speak out? I know many of them. Some of them have made it clear to me that they feel intimidated by .......you finish the sentence.
Additionally, we would need an agenda in order to make Meeting # 3 a productive one. One agenda item should definitely include issues related to selection processes for service on these two committees.
Pamela R. Conley
I think we do need the third town hall meeting to clear up some issues. I think Dr. Mowl is not really opened up to our concerns because he has to reply our concerns we forced on him. I heard the rumors that the parents are planning to take their children out of RSD at the end of this school year. Some will go to Indiana School for the Deaf and others will mainstream.
It seems that Dr. Mowl do not have the ability to retain the students? He did a good job to alienate the students, parents, or everybody.
Is the board of directors a full of inept? They should be concerned about declining enrollments.
Hello. This is my first time to comment and I decided to comment because the town meetings must continue. Why, because they make the administration nervous and pressure needs to stay on.
RSD started sinking when Dr Mowl was hired as Superintendent. And it will continue to sink until he leaves Why? He is chain of command "CEO".
Everything is top-down. This style only works if all the links in the chain are strong. Unfortunately he has selected some ineffective "links" to run some departments at RSD. Not all, there are a couple of VERY GOOD directors.
Another thing is I don't think he cares about most of the students. He has had some favorites over the years and they are the ones who bring some kind of recognition to the school. Maybe they are the students who do well academically and go to college. Maybe they are the students who are good at sports. We would know if he really cared about the kids, all the kids.
Please keep the pressure on and think about maybe it is time for a change in leadership.
To better understand the frustrations of d/Deaf Americans about Deaf Education in general,
check out this link:
http://www.deafprofessional.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=195&Itemid=40
I was recently approached by an administrator of a respectable educational institution who has implied that what we've been doing here is a lost cause. Is it?
The deadline date for nominations for service to the Communication Philosophy committee was April 28th. Well, April 28th has come and gone. Whose names have been submitted?
Pamela R. Conley
"The deadline date for nominations for service to the Communication Philosophy committee was April 28th. Well, April 28th has come and gone. Whose names have been submitted? "
I've read the PSA minutes that it was suggested that only those who showed up for PSA meetings should apply. That leaves me out.
Impressive how the popular voice has become so frustrated and demanding lately...just look at Gallaudet. Suddenly it seems like there is a backlash at the establishment, especially the boards of directors both here and at Gallaudet.
Is this about change? Or sensitivity toward the students and their associates? Is it about putting the power in the hands of the consumer? I think we may be seeing a trend that could grow stronger in the future as people become dissatisfied with what is simply handed to them. With that comes responsibility. To change, one must take on the task and WORK FOR IT.
-DPG
I agree. To promote change you have to take on the task and work for it.
This backlash you speak of, yes, I think it is a backlash. If people keep promoting working environments of intimidation, hostility, animosity, and even outright terror... if they refuse to listen to what the people want, if they stubbornly refuse to change and drive our institutions into apathy, then yes, there will soon come a very large backlash. And keep in mind something else: technology in the year 2006 is something that the year 1988 (the year of DPN) could only dream of. We can spread out message far, wide, and efficiently.
Today at Gallaudet I saw real student leaders speak out, and I went to private meetings afterwards. Doubt me if you want, but I'm going to tell you this anyway... the levels of rage and frustration over the incompetence of our institutions are growing, and growing beyond anything most people have ever seen or dealt with before.
If things do not start changing I am going to throw my full support behind turning these institutions upside-down, until people learn once and for all that we are not second class citizens, and we demand quality education, and we demand access to our world.
So if you're not taking these uprisings seriously, start. Because we are organizing, and we are gaining strength, and we are sick of how we are being treated by the Establishment.
One more thing.
Watch these videos and imagine that happening outside the gates of your school. Take your own chances.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9yV3SLf8LY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EqYoHk-psFw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zyYQ5F5sKM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VQomkv8G6Qo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWRWp0HN9mc
"If things do not start changing I am going to throw my full support behind turning these institutions upside-down, until people learn once and for all that we are not second class citizens, and we demand quality education, and we demand access to our world.
So if you're not taking these uprisings seriously, start. Because we are organizing, and we are gaining strength, and we are sick of how we are being treated by the Establishment."
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Thank you for sharing these important statements. It's really important that the RSD community is to be reminded how fully empowered Deaf Americans have felt about education, treatment, etc.
As a member of the oppressed minority, I am frankly sick and tired of being asked to share my wisdom and knowledge with key decisionmakers only to be brushed aside and to be told all is well.
Now is the time for us all to recognize the true potential of Deaf people of this world.
Long Live the Enduring Spirit of Gallaudet Students and Alumni!
Pamela R. Conley
Gallaudet Class of '86
To all RSD alumni members, professors, and parents;
Hello everyone, before I do my post, I want to compliment this brave person for starting this blog and raising awareness of the issues and problems that are being faced at RSD. As an alumnus, I felt that my input may provide valuable information for everyone who is involved with the decision making process at RSD. I want to help improve RSD and at the same time ensure that our future Deaf children do not suffer from the lack of education I received. I felt that I should share my timeline prior to becoming a student at RSD, as a student at RSD and my life after leaving RSD so you could understand what life is like for students who attended RSD.
I am the first year student studying for my Masters in Secondary School Education at the Rochester Institute of Technology; I would like to share my experience as a student growing up at RSD. I am a RSD Class '99 alumnus and I am sure that some of you know who I am. When I moved to RSD from American School for the Deaf, my behaviour was not pretty good. I was a client at Residential Treatment Facility Program (RTF). The RTF is designed to meet the special needs of deaf children ages 7 through 21 who have developmental and emotional disabilities (http://www.rsdeaf.org/school_residential.asp) for one and half of year. After that, I was discharged from RTF and enrolled into to regular courses at RSD.
I was in the RSD Class of '99 as a student in the lower education level for two years at RSD. I felt that the lower education level courses were not very challenging for me so I talked to my mother about my concerns. She decided to take me to visit the Brighton District School with the former principal and interpreter who worked for the RSD. I shared my concern about my placement to the lower level class. During my visit, the committee of the Brighton District School, principal of RSD and interpreter listened to my concerns. They decided to transfer me into the middle education level class. The courses provided the challenge I was looking for and satisfied my expectations.
After I graduated from RSD in 1999 and started attending courses at the National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID). I was informed that my English and reading skills did not exceed the requirements to qualify as a cross-registered student to take courses provided by other colleges at RIT. I had to spend two frustrating years struggling to improve and build better English and reading skills I was allowed to register as a full-time student at RIT. I was the one of the students who participated in the first summer English Learning Center (ELC) program designed for students who struggled with learning English as their second language. Most of these students enrolled in the ELC program were foreign students. The ELC courses did not offer any credits, but that did not stop my motivation to improve my English and reading skills because I wanted to improve my English and reading skills. An important thing about most of the courses... they were taught by hearing teachers, however they were interpreted into ASL by interpreters, which made everything very clear and understandable for me.
Afterwards, I continued studying at RIT for more than two years and finally graduated from RIT last May with a Bachelor of Science in History and Psychology. When I decided to apply for MSSE, I got accepted by Boston University, an excellent college, but unfortunately there were no scholarships available. So I decided at the last minute to enrol the MSSE program provided at NTID.
During my graduation ceremony, my tears were filled of pride because I was proud that I successfully graduated from RIT and knew I got accepted by Boston University. I am currently taking MSSE courses and working on my first internship in Canada. I am very thankful for the hard work I went through to make myself successful! But there is a person I want to thank from RSD, my principal, Ms. Hatch for her tremendous discipline she imposed on me. If I never met Ms. Hatch, I strongly believe that I would have never gotten in college at all.
MY POINT of this letter is that I realize that RSD did not do anything good except for Ms. Hatch's discipline method! My reading teacher did not teach me very well, the teachers usually spent time chatting with other teachers my classmates and I worked on our reading assignment or chatting with each other. After we graduated from RSD and my classmates and I started to discuss and realized how little we were taught at RSD. We all agreed that our English and reading teachers DID NOT teach us the necessary skills we needed to succeed in college! The teachers had very weak ASL skills! Also it is because of teachers had very weak ASL skills, they had low expectations, and they seemed not to care.
So I would STRONGLY support RSD to adopt a BILINGUAL - BICULTURAL (Bi-Bi) education setting! (http://www.robartsschool.ca/school/bibi.htm) I am currently interning in Milton, Ontario, Canada which has a Bi-Bi education setting!
I strongly believe that hearing teachers should be fluent in ASL in order to qualify to teach the Deaf students.
RSD NEEDS TO CHANGE RIGHT NOW TO PROVIDE A BETTER FUTURE FOR THE DEAF CHILDREN!!!!
DEAF CHILDREN ARE OUR PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joshua Berman
Even the students at MSSD blocked the gate up by their school until, surprise, administration came out and threatened them. But by that time more Gally students were able to come out and sit by that gate as well.
Administrators disgust me. That's a generalization but it seems so true. It has been years now since I've met an administrator I've respected, let alone liked (and no, one does not depend upon the other... I'll settle for an administrator I respect but don't like... because I respect people who do the right thing even if I don't like it).
Is there NO integrity left anywhere? And double shame on those backstabbing deaf people who are so quick to cry out how inappropriate and immature it is whenever other deaf people try to do ANYTHING to improve their lot in life. You're worse. You're the collective Judas of this so-called weak, corrupt, pathetic, cowardly community. Disgusting, all of you, and I wish you would go away and leave us good and serious and dedicated people ALONE so we can change things without your ceaseless, suffocating INTERFERENCE!!!!!
GET OUT OF THE WAY!!!!
A highly respectable NTID student leader by the name of Lizzie Sorkin has given me permission to post her letter to Dr. Hurwitz of NTID in this blog. Like Gallaudet students, NTID students have been speaking out!
Pamela R. Conley
===================================
Dear Dr. Hurwitz,
I wanted email you about a protest that took place recently. It started on Monday, April 24th and finished on Friday, April 28th. It went from 8am to 5pm with protestors having hourly shifts. Everyday, at 5pm, a green sign with a total number was left at your office door for you to keep. I hope you understood the purpose behind the idea of the project but I will understand if you do not.
I have gotten emails, conversations, and dealt with questions and confusions
-- all for this spontaneous protest. People suggested a better way to show it. People disagreed with the protest and demanded to stop it. People also praised it and gave humble support. I decided that action was necessary so I followed the procedure to make sure that the protest was on track according to the Student¹s Rights and Responsibilities Handbook. After organising the initiation of it, signups didn¹t stop! People were so thirsty to get involved. People were so starved to show the community that a change was necessary. I am hoping that this project will show the community what we're lacking - the right attitude. The whole purpose of the protest was to create awareness. People started talking about it, addressed the issue of communication access and what it meant to them. Finally people realised the differences.
In my first email to some 80 people, I opened with ³My name is Lizzie Sorkin and I¹m tired.² That¹s the bottom line behind this whole protest. Awareness needs to be made to the NTID Staff/Faculty that there must be signed conversations at all times in LBJ. If its in their job description or expectations, it needs to be enforced. As a student who has been here since 1999, I have grown here. I have been shaped into who I am today because of this place, my home. And for me to sit back and just continue to have meetings with you regarding communication access, and wait -- I couldn¹t.
If we are to publisice NTID as a unique place, why can¹t we make it a unique place? To deal with conversations that are not signed, I can get that anywhere else why must I experience that same struggle at NTID? It is time to change that attitude among the faculty and staff, however I understand that change doesn¹t happen overnight but that doesn¹t mean we can excuse it and sit back and wait till it happens.
A quote that I shared with the protestors that a strong woman, Eleanor Roosevelt, once said, ³Do what you feel in your heart is right, you¹ll be criticized anyway.²
There were a total of 487 conversations that were not signed last week in building 60. This letter is made up of 487 words. Imagine missing out on this if it were not signed to you.
Sincerely tired,
Lizzie & the many tired supporters involved
To Lizzie (if you are reading this):
"People suggested a better way to show it. People disagreed with the protest and demanded to stop it."
Figures. Even something as respectful and non-intrusive as what YOU did... people don't like it. The same theme shows up again and again and again in the MSD blog. The protestors, before they even BECAME protestors, tried to hold respectful Town Hall meetings, and "people" didn't like it. Emails, letters, more private meetings.... still "people" didn't like it (and most of the letters/emails/meetings were IGNORED anyway). Then finally the protest itself and STILL these spineless leeches we refer to as "people" don't like it. They never do. They will never permit change of any kind or in any shape or form because it threatens them. It threatens the power and prestige they already have, it threatens their worldview, etc. Therefore WE will always be wrong no matter what we do.
To you alternately smirking and shushing "people" out there... are you going to hold yourselves responsible in any way when those you condemn as immature and annoying children (no matter what their age) instead turn into a violent and angry mob? Because that's coming. When you disregard the changes that are being demanded yet goad the protesters on for daring to protest, all you cause is greater frustration.
Sincerely--
Angry Gally Students
I can't help noticing that the conversation is veering from items focused on "what to do to improve education at RSD" ... and yet the "veering" conversation is obviously important as well.
I ask a simple question, open to either a "yes" or "no" answer -- Has the time come to start using the Bi-Bi Message Board, which can more easily handle a wide variety of topics (while keeping things organized)? It's ready and waiting.
I'd be happy to add a forum there for Protests: Methods, Issues, and Results.
I'm not saying this blog should stop (so please don't start chewing me out again!) Things are just getting more broad, so I'm offering a venue that can handle the more nation-wide (world-wide, Deaf-wide) issues, AND connect them to the individual "battle-fronts" like RSD, MSD, Gally, and NTID.
Let me know... or just show up to the message board and start posting!
RSD Teacher and Karen,
While I agree with you that there is no direct relevance between what's happening at both NTID and Gallaudet and the issues unique to RSD as maintained in this blog right now, these protests and related events demanding social changes for Deaf Americans suggest that RSD will be faced with challenges and be asked hard questions down the road. Read below the open letter by the NAD president; it addresses topics relevant to RSD in pars. 5-9.
Pamela R. Conley
===============================
Open Letter to the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees, Administration, Campus and External Community on the Gallaudet Presidential Announcement
May 3, 2006
To refer others to the NAD webpage with this letter, please use:
http://www.nad.org/GallaudetOpenLetter3
On Monday May 1, 2006, the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees Interim Chair Celia May Baldwin announced its selection of Provost Jane K. Fernandes as its 9th president. The announcement (see http://pr.gallaudet.edu/presidentialsearch/?ID=8658) quoted Baldwin as saying: “Jane has a deep understanding of how this university works, having served in senior leadership positions here for more than a decade.” That same afternoon, Gallaudet students protested the decision. Faculty and staff concerns are also surfacing. The NAD has all along been communicating with students, faculty, staff, and alumni – and others having a vested interest in Gallaudet University. We stand with these concerned stakeholders, who sincerely believe that they are not being respected nor heard.
Last October, the NAD Board of Directors wrote an Open Letter to the Gallaudet Board of Trustees (see http://www.nad.org/GallaudetPresidentOpenLtr). In that letter, the NAD Board noted the long-standing and positive relationship between the NAD and Gallaudet. The letter continued by articulating priorities and principles important to the NAD. Among those were that Gallaudet’s next president be an individual who can sustain Gallaudet’s historic role as a “beacon of hope for all deaf citizens in the world” and who has “a deep understanding of the challenges faced by deaf people every day in this country and worldwide”. The Open Letter added that “the next president must also be a visionary in promoting academic excellence, as well as committed to diversity in hiring and promoting qualified deaf administrators, faculty, and staff members”.
The NAD also brought together, in a December 2005 a round table with four individuals who represent different segments of our large and diverse community (see http://www.nad.org/gallaudetroundtable ) who expressed their hopes and expectations for Gallaudet.
Last month, the NAD wrote a second Open Letter (see http://www.nad.org/GallaudetOpenletter2). In that communication, which was addressed to the Gallaudet University Search Committee, Board of Trustees, campus community and the larger deaf and hard of hearing community, the NAD noted the fact that all three finalists were deaf individuals with records of distinction. This second letter referenced the role of the NAD in advocating for a deaf president even before and during the historic Deaf President Now events of 18 years ago (http://www.nad.org/NAD-DPN). The NAD urged the Trustees to appoint as the next president, a person “able to unite the community behind a common vision and inspire individuals and groups both on and off campus to reach for a noble cause bigger than any single person or issue.” Further, the NAD urged stakeholders to closely scrutinize each candidate according to the Presidential qualifications and expectations as outlined by the search committee—and to communicate their expectations and views to the committee and the Trustees.
We recognize the tremendous level of unrest this week on and off campus. We believe that current furor is fueled by disconnect between the stated goals of the University and the actions of the administration. Specifically, we are troubled by growing evidence that the final decision by the Board of Trustees may not reflect deeply felt values of students, faculty, alumni, and other community stakeholders – values arising from Gallaudet’s unique place in our community and articulated in our previous open letters, as well as in the Presidential Agenda outlined by the Trustees (see http://pr.gallaudet.edu/presidentalsearch/?ID=8140). Tumultuous and rapidly spreading undercurrents among the students and the campus community also seem to be influenced by ongoing issues related to a lack of diversity within campus, distrust of the current administration, perceived low academic expectations, and poor community morale. Progress is also being restrained by the twin chains of bigotry – audism and racism – which deserve attention and action.
We also recognize the unique role of a University community in promoting freedom of speech, respect for diversity, support for vigorous debate, and tolerance for the exercising of civility in response to dissent and strongly expressed discourse. At this time, discussion is warranted and should be not only tolerated, but encouraged. The current unrest reflects the deeply felt values assigned to Gallaudet by students, faculty, staff, alumni and other community stakeholders, values the NAD and others in the national and worldwide community of deaf and hard of hearing people also hold dear. Gallaudet acknowledged, and expressed commitment to such values in the announcement of the search. There, the University stated that it was eager to identify a president with the abilities to “ensure full access and open communication throughout the University.” The Trustees also set as a qualification the ability to “lead the entire Gallaudet community and its students (K-12 and college level) through times of crisis and challenge.”
Accordingly, the NAD calls upon the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees, President I. King Jordan, and Provost Jane K. Fernandes to take corrective action with courage and wisdom to resolve in a positive manner the growing discord, divisiveness and disconnect on and off campus. Such decisive action would begin the healing process and enable all involved to move forward. The current leadership must move expeditiously to “unite the community behind a common vision and inspire individuals and groups both on and off campus to reach for a noble cause bigger than any single person or issue.”
Members of the NAD and its supporters are deeply concerned that if this crisis is not resolved immediately and decisively by Gallaudet University, there would be increased risk for long term and permanent impact in the areas of recruitment, enrollment and financial giving.
The NAD is determined to stand firm for the cherished values of our community and for the well-being of the world’s only liberal arts university for deaf and hard of hearing people. This is precisely why the NAD stands with Gallaudet students and the entire community in retaining the true greatness of Gallaudet University and the hope it represents to the nation and the world.
Sincerely,
Andrew J. Lange
President
National Association of the Deaf
Pamela,
I agree, these events and issues are important and relevant to RSD specifically ... but it's all becoming very "big". Without organization and focus, we may end up with rambling conversations that make a lot of good points, but go in circles and get nowhere. That's why I set up the message board with both general topics and an "RSD Corner" where items that are ONLY related to RSD could be discussed.
Recent events are sort of like a ripple effect. Imagine dropping pebbles into a pond, each in a different spot. The ripples cross each other, mix with each other, and eventually fade away -- you can't tell where any particular pebble dropped. But if they're all dropped one after another in the SAME spot, the ripples remain clear, and they keep coming and coming...
(Don't know if that imagery is any good, but it makes sense in my head...)
Bottom line, it's all important, and we need to figure out how to make sure it GETS somewhere.
(Random thoughts from a very tired brain...)
RSD Teacher,
Likewise, I'm tired. I hope what I'm going to write will make sense.
What you've said totally makes sense. I think the real issue here is the issue of control. I honestly don't think the blogger(s) is/are ready to surrender this blog. Even though you meant well in creating and offering a message board with subtopics, I think that you are being perceived by some as someone trying to take control away from truly concerned members of the RSD community.
To be honest, I'm not ready to go there as well. Like many concerned members of the RSD community, I've been waiting to find out whether the RSD Board has been/will be receptive to our concerns.
Pamela R. Conley
#13
today gallaudet has spoken
"Then someone said Ryan Commerson (famous for his Starving for Access protest and a Gallaudet alumni) got arrested.
http://www.xanga.com/elisa_abenchuchan/479668118/item.html"
He was not "arrested." He stood up immediately after it was announced that JKF would be the next President, walked to the front of the room, and simply signed "if you disagree with that decision, leave." A Gallaudet security officer immediately came, took him by the arm, and walked him out of the room. Ryan did not resist. It was a GROSS overreaction on security's part... It is a farce for admin to be saying we need to lessen the fear and intimidation in the work envirnoment and then allow people who speak up to be forced out like that. There are even more security guards all over campus today, especially near the gates, but now that the students are more unified, surprise, nobody is being carted off.
Ryan was simply given some sort of written order saying he cannot return to campus for three days, which he has peacefully complied with, though he did stay near the gates for much of the time talking with students and faculty and encouraging them to fight for their rights.
Ryan inspires me. He is one of the few people who has consistently done the right thing in every situation he walks into.
That's a Deaf Leader. Look no further.
Ryan Commerson was the Editor in Chief of the banned TowerClock yearbook? Pehaps he's not a right person for this.
Gallaudet Tower Clock Yearbook of 2001
http://www.geocities.com/deafpixel/tbgallery.html
I've read the PSA minutes that it was suggested that only those who showed up for PSA meetings should apply. That leaves me out.
__________________________________
No one agreed to it, you are more than welcome to nominate yourself.
Please contact either PSA president or Dr. Harold Mowl. I think it is not too late since the committee has not started yet.
Interesting! It seems that no one is interested to have third town hall meeting.
So, did RSD make any changes? I have not heard from them or anybody? I'm curious are you happy with RSD now?
CDP
POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT
POSITION: DIRECTOR, OUTREACH CENTER
DATE POSITION TO BE FILLED: As soon as possible.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES:
In addition to the supervision of day-to-day activities, the priorities for this position are to: 1) quickly raise awareness of and create demand for the Outreach Center services among the targeted constituencies; 2) assume an active role in the implementation of Future Directions for RSD (White Paper); and 3) form innovative partnerships among physicians, health insurers, schools, and others involved in the education of deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
RSD is seeking a seasoned, energetic professional who is a proven achiever with an entrepreneurial edge. This person understands the business world, is an accomplished motivator and team builder, and has progressed in his/her career to the highest levels of achievement. A highly effective communicator with outstanding interpersonal and leadership skills, this person has the ability to quickly navigate any new "community" or network.
FILE APPLICATION WITH:
Harold Mowl, Jr., Ph.D.
Superintendent/CEO
Rochester School for the Deaf
1545 St. Paul Street
Rochester, NY 14621
Application for employment is available for download at www.rsdeaf.org
CLOSING DATE : June 2, 2006
Applications received will be screened and the most highly qualified will be asked to interview.
RSD is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate in employment on the basis of non-qualifying disability, race, religion, color, sex, marital status, age, national origin, and veteran status.
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