Pro Fernandes Reader’s Complaint

“Supporters of the protest and those who do not support the protest comments should be published to give readers a balanced press.  Those who use hateful words  are immature adults and I am speaking for both pro- and anti- protest.  Let’s focus on the issues and discuss them rather than atacking specific individuals and using words intended to hurt or destroy.”

Funny. You were also one of those who bashed others repeatedly. Now you are crying foul? You reap what you sow. You should have thought twice before you systematically bashed the protesters.

My response: I opened the blog for everybody for everybody to have healthy and open dialogue, however my attempts have been deterred by a very small, but a very vocal group of Fernandes’s supporters constantly sending a barrage of comments. At the beginning, they were mostly civil, but however with time, more and more comments have taken quite a nasty tone, putting down and ridiculing those involved in the protest.  It becomes obvious that they were on a propaganda, systematically targeting deaf people and attempting to oppress them with bullying tactics. I’ve given them many chances to address the issues and refrain from attacking the protesters or the deaf people, but they persisted.  However, several are now on permanent personal non grata for their violent threats and persistent verbal attacks on other people.

My blog will NOT be used as a venue for a systematic bashing of the deaf community.  This is a hate crime and it is illegal.   I have noticed that some of these bashers did provide good comments, but however, they eventually have reverted to their bashing.  Based on these histories and lack of intention on their side to pursue civil and open dialogues, these people are banned.  I see the effects of the oppression on some deaf readers.

Tell you the truth, this appalls me. I love Gallaudet with all my heart and have many good memories. However I have been out of Gallaudet for eleven years and apparently a lot have changed since then. I am aghast that this is practiced in my beloved alma mater. I feel so sickened that this is going on at Gallaudet University and in my own  blog. I have never encountered anything like this in my whole life.

I feel for those who are still working and studying at Gallaudet. This level of oppression isn’t healthy. The more I cover the protest, the more I see why people are protesting.

I opened my blog a couple of months ago to Gallaudet community for only one purpose. I see that the students, staff, and faculty are not permitted to express their opinions freely without fear of reprisal. As a staunch supporter of civil rights, especially the deaf people’s, I cannot condone this atmosphere. Now that the protest has broken out, the pro fernandes supporters have flocked over here and others, trying to do damage control and oppress others,  just like what they did at Gallaudet.

For those pro fernandes commenter, I have given you many chances. Even when you bashed other people, I still gave you chances. I can see the effects: Deaf readers feel more inhibited to speak out. You blew it. With the death threats and physical threat, this has gotten out of control. I must moderate this blog so to permit people to speak freely without fear of intimidation, oppressions, and reprisals. And you know what happened? More people started to speak out freely.

Any other fernandes supporters may be welcome to come, but I will keep a very very close eye on you.  Any attempt to hijack the blog is not permitted. The job of PR Dept is not here. The PR Dept is at Gallaudet University and the pro fernandes sites.

This is why pro fernandes supporters should open their blogs for discussions. We do our share. It is time for them to do their share.  This is double standards.  

Keep in mind if there is another death or physical threat, believe me, I will report them to the police again.

For your information, Gallaudet is already very diverse. It has always been diverse since the first year Gallaudet was established.  I grew up 100% oral and didn’t learn sign language until I went to Gallaudet. So did many of my friends.

Unity for Gallaudet!

Elizabeth