I, like many others, have experienced the richness and depth of American Sign Language (ASL) firsthand. Having taken an ASL course and knowing individuals in the Deaf or Hard of Hearing community, I've seen how tirelessly this community has fought for recognition of their language. It's time that Elon University acknowledges this struggle and makes a change.

ASL is a complete and organized visual language with its own unique linguistic properties that are distinct from English. It's not merely a collection of signs; it's a full-fledged language with its own grammar rules and syntax. Despite this, Elon University does not currently recognize ASL courses as fulfilling foreign language requirements.

This lack of recognition is more than an oversight—it's discriminatory to the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community who use ASL as their primary means of communication. By not counting ASL courses as a language credit, we're sending the message that their mode of communication—and by extension, they themselves—are less valid or important than those who communicate through spoken languages.

It’s time for Elon University to join other progressive institutions across the country that have already recognized ASL as a legitimate foreign language credit option. This action would demonstrate respect towards the Deaf community while also enriching our campus culture by fostering understanding and inclusivity. It won't be a big leap for Elon since we already have two ASL courses, the university refuses to view ASL as a language.

North Carolina is one of 45 states that view ASL as a language. In 2007, the General Assembly of North Carolina passed legislation (§ 115C- 81.3) recognizing ASL as a modern language that fulfills the UNC Minimum Admissions requirement for foreign language at the state’s colleges and universities.

Let us stand together in urging Elon University to count American Sign Language courses as fulfilling foreign language requirements! Please sign this petition to support equality in education at our institution.