Aloha:
Superintendent Kishimoto
Assistant Superintendent Covel
Deputy Superintendent Unebasami
Assistant Superintendent Armstrong
Complex Area Superintendent Mahoe
Fact #7: Best interest of HSDB or Audism?
Fact #7: Audism is a form of oppression based on the ability to hear and speak. Same concept as gender based oppression is sexism; and oppressing people of color is racism. Audism is a pervasive and invisible oppression that Deaf people face on a daily basis. The person who practices audism is called an “audist.” An audist a hearing person who oppresses Deaf people because they believe hearing is best, and knows what is best for Deaf people.
Hawai’i Department of Education’s Rochelle Mahoe CAS (Complex Area Superintendent) convinced the University of Hawai’i to start a Deaf Education program. She also created a committee to investigate how to improve the education of D/HH children in Hawai’i. Who are the Deaf educators involved in the development of the courses for the Deaf Ed degree? For ASL competency, a Deaf ASL instructor at KCC (Kapio’liani Community College). Who are the Deaf individuals providing input for the Deaf Ed classes? None. Under which department is the Deaf Ed program going to be under? Speech and Language Department (and NOT Education Department). Who are the individuals providing input to improve Deaf education programs? John Baranello, a hearing person who was a former teacher at HSDB with no administrative experience. Marisa Bolivar, another hearing person who was a former teacher at HSDB with no administrative experience. Also providing input are several DOE Principals and Educational Officers – all hearing. Who are the Deaf professionals providing input? None.
QUESTIONS:
1. Are your actions proof that you are an audist? In every letter responding to stakeholders, you have stated that you have “the best interest of HSDB at heart.” Action speaks louder than words, and your actions say otherwise. Your exclusion of Deaf professionals in the decision making process speaks loudly.
2. Do you truly believe that you, a hearing person with no experience teaching Deaf students, who cannot communicate with Deaf adults or students in ASL, with no knowledge of Deaf culture, knows what is best for Deaf and hard of hearing students?
3. Would you create a committee to investigate how to include Hawai’ian culture in the school curriculum without including Hawai’ian people in the decision making process? If not, why are you not including Deaf people in the decision making process for the Deaf Ed program and committee?
Mahalo,
HSDB SOAR Protectors
Deaf Education Experience Protectors