As an ally for Deaf people of color, the last 48 hours has been mind-boggling where I had received e-mails and calls, I was even more surprised to see the bigger hidden agenda of institutional racism remains bigger problematic at Gallaudet University more than we really understand, why hide in the dark? Deaf people of color students would experience the first signs of racism after they were enrolled. I would like to acknowledge myself that I am a Deaf white man with lineage in Cherokee world. I believe in human equality.

Are the stories too familiar or too ignorant to admit it in the Deaf community? The leaders at Gallaudet University—will they acknowledge the last couple of years that the Deaf person of color has subjected to institutional racism? We ask ourselves to hold Gallaudet University accountable for ignoring strides to solve the problem too long.

For quite time, do we ever realize that Deaf people of color students been subjected to hostile environment on the campus? Why all of silence treatment about this? The information shows that they do not need a reason to worry and often sweep the rug are difficult to fathom. No way we should been absolved in easy steps. Yet, discriminatory practices on the campus proving that institutional racism is difficult to forget and move on.

Can we convince President Cordano to hire an outside Deaf consultant “with expertise in understanding institutional racism in society” to make the campus safer? Gallaudet University is not the problem. It is the central problem that whoever in charge is running Gallaudet University. Will we ever put ourselves on the front line to overthrow institutional racism and whenever we hold ourselves accountable? The clear path becomes the central of failure.

Deaf people of color I signed with the last 48 hours, they were alumni and alumnus experienced institutional racism before the day was over.

Racism is real. It is also lacks of awareness. When Gallaudet administration officials receive a complaint about institutional racism, did they take the discrimination complaints seriously enough? I guess we need to admit that institutional racism today is often unintentional. I feel like we are constantly remind ourselves what it is like to understand the fox guarding the hen house.

So, the last question of the post: Do we have a choice but to conclude that there was never institutional racism at all? In my final thoughts, Gallaudet University would improve better and start a fresh start and overthrow old thinking dilemma. Chief Tawonka quotes:

So, it means for Gallaudet community to understand the freedom that applies to Deaf person of color shall be bound to hold free. We do not need more infighting, it gets too old and tired. We need to set policies stronger to stand up against language bigotry.

When we see the selection of Vice President of Student Affairs and Community Enagement, walking by College Hall everyday in the open air, we can overcome old school thinking. So, the way we can have healthy thinking. We do not need to become tired of this. It starts with us. Leaving Gallaudet community members out of the dialogue is a problem. Leaving institutional racism out of the dialogue is bigger problem.

-JT

 

Copyright © 2017 Jason Tozier

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