MSU Deaf Ed Student: It’s Not Over…

Please take the time to read Katie Hosmer’s message, a Deaf Ed student at MSU, and come and show your support tomorrow!

_______________________________________________________________________________________

From Katie Hosmer:

TOMORROW, Tuesday, April 20, from 8 – 9 a.m. in room 443 of the Hannah Adminstration Building, a few members of the Deaf community are meeting with DEAN Carole Ames and PROVOST Kim Wilcox – the two people ultimately responsible for making the decision to cut the programs. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

“Your support by showing up and standing in the background will speak loud volumes.” – Natalie Grupido, MSD teacher, Deaf community member

Please, please come to this meeting. It’s time we were given answers, and this is where it’s happening. (Please arrive a few minutes early so we can maximize our time in the meeting)

Also, for a brief summary of the Board of Trustees meeting and rally this past Friday, please click on the “Discussions” tab in the group, Keep Deaf-Ed Major at MSU.

Thank you and I truly hope to see as many of you as possible join us tomorrow morning!

Interview About MSU Deaf Education Program

An interview with Celeste Johnson on the closure of Deaf Education and ASL classes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r8Ei5JFNsF4

Celeste Johnson was interviewed by two TV stations, but they never made it to the news. However, one person who attended the Board of Trustees meeting in support of opposing the closure of Deaf Education and ASL classes taped the entire interview. Dale, who taped the interview, also taped the speeches during the public comments; however, it is difficult to see the interpreter at a distance and as soon as the video is available with captions, it will be posted so that everyone can view the speeches given by Celeste Johnson and Sheryl Emery, DODHH director.

Thank you, Dale, for taping the interview!

Note: Jeannette Johnson has posted a blog about her mother being interviewed: http://deafpundit.wordpress.com/2010/04/19/interview-about-msu-deaf-education-program/

MSU Deaf Ed Student: PLEASE READ!

This is the message Katie Hosmer, MSU Deaf Ed student, wants you to read and be there at the ASL rally tomorrow! Please see previous post for ASL rally information. Thanks! ~ MDC Committee
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Katie:

Everyone, the time has come to make drastic changes in our campaign to save deaf education and American Sign Language at Michigan State University.

As I’ve said before, MSU administrators seem to have made up their mind. They have already begun closing American Sign Language courses DESPITE the fact that we were told they would be open at least another year. Is it because of low enrollment? NO! ASL classes at MSU are overflowing with students!

Signs are posted all over campus saying, “Take a Less Commonly Taught Language at MSU!” with Tagalog, Thai, and Uzbek as just a few of the options. So if they claim that they cannot afford ASL because of low enrollment… I think we’ve got some issues here.

Oh, and did you know? Rumor has it, MSU officials are claiming that American Sign LANGUAGE is NOT a “real” language. As we all know, ASL IS INDEED a “real” language that is rich in cherology (phonology), morphology, semantics, syntax, and pragmatics. ASL is able to show past tense, negation, questions, and commands. It has the capacity to be acquired naturally and express and thought or idea. Therefore, AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE IS A REAL LANGUAGE!!

Not to mention, American Sign Language is the THIRD most commonly used LANGUAGE in the United States. THIRD.

So if it’s not about money…how many people use ASL… or whether or not it is a “real” language…then WHAT IS IT ABOUT?!

I’ll tell you what.

INJUSTICE. DISCRIMINATION. IGNORANCE. AUDISM.

We’re done asking MSU, “WHY?” We know why. It’s time to show them what a HUGE MISTAKE they are making.

So where will you be on the morning of Friday, April 16, 2010? Please, join us in our FIGHT FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE!

ALSO!! – On Tuesday, April 20, from 8 – 9 am we will be meeting with Provost Kim Wilcox and Dean Carole Ames, the people ultimately responsible for the decision to close the program. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Thank you everyone!!

MSU Officials: American Sign Language is NOT a “real” language

It has been brought to our attention that the MSU officials are claiming that American Sign Language is not a real language! They have already begun closing ASL courses, when students were told they would be open for at least another year.

This calls for urgency actions from the Deaf Community and Deaf Organizations, as well as attending the ASL rally at MSU this Friday to show our concerns and objections to their ignorance and misinformation on our language and culture, as well as shutting down the Deaf Education Program/ASL classes.

Jeannette Johnson explains in details, both in ASL and English on her v/blog, “National Trend Of Eliminating ASL Classes?”

Download the ASL Rally Flyer: ASL Rally Flyer. Please share with your friends and family. You may make your own posters and bring your friends to the rally!

ASL Rally on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=340858637335&ref=mf

ASL Rally at MSU:
Date: Friday, April 16, 2010
Time: 8:30am
Where: Hannah Administration Building, MSU Campus
East Lansing, MI

Any questions or concerns regarding the rally, please feel free to contact Kassandra Darling, freedarlingkas@gmail.com darlingkas@gmail.com

Federal Government Job Fair for Individuals with Disabilities

Click to download the flyer: TACOM LCMC EEO JOB FAIR APRIL 2010

If you cannot open the document:

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT JOB FAIR FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES
SPONSORED BY U.S. ARMY TACOM LCMC

DATE: April 7, 2010
TIME: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
LOCATION: Macomb Intermediate School Dist.
44001 Garfield Rd, Clinton Twp 48038
SE Bldg Entrance, 1st floor

Click here for directions to MISD.

Candidates should bring:

• 20 copies of your resume
• Certification of eligibility for ‘Schedule A’ federal appointment. from a vocational rehabilitation counselor at Michigan Rehabilitation Services or U.S. Department

Additional Information:

• Detroit-area federal agencies will be recruiting
• Sign Language Interpreters are available
• Education requirement: Associates Degree by end of semester

In partnership with the Detroit Federal Executive Board & Michigan Rehabilitation Services
Point of Contact: Helen Vasser at 586.282.6400 or email: helen.vasser@us.army.mil