This petition is primarily for individuals within the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community; however, it will prove beneficial for all members of society if passed. Through the implementation of mandatory American Sign Language (ASL) classes in schools across the United States, we will be breaking down many of the barriers put in place within society for individuals belonging to this group. If ASL is taught to children beginning in kindergarten, by the time they graduate high school they will be completely fluent in a language that opens communication to a community whose voice otherwise goes unheard. Mandating these classes in schools will also open the door to many new educational and social opportunities for deaf people as it provides a more inclusive setting for them. 

It is also important to note that there are over 38 million people in the U.S. over the age of 12 that have hearing loss. So, ask yourself, if you became one of those 38 million people, wouldn't you want to know of another way you could communicate with those around you? 

Ultimately, the goal here is to end the exclusion and marginalization of this community and what better way to do so than by starting within the school system? We always say that children are our future so let us lead them in the right direction. Let us introduce them to a world of growth and inclusion that many of us never even knew could exist. Just think of how amazing it would be to learn another language that may not be vocal in sound but is vocal through actions instead.