Delegates representing state association affiliates, eligible nonprofit organization affiliates and other groups voted on resolutions during the 51st Biennial NAD Conference in Louisville, KY. The NAD Board of Directors is responsible for follow up action. Periodic reports on progress will be posted here.
Title: Denial of Equal Rights to Deaf Women and Black Deaf Individuals
Code: 2012-RES-001
Whereas, prior to 1965, the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) did not give female members the right to vote;
Whereas, prior to 1965, NAD did not give individuals who are black any right to membership and any right to vote;
Whereas, prior to 1965, the NAD through its Board and its members through this denial oppressed deaf women and deaf black individuals;
Whereas, since 1965, the NAD has never recognized or formally shown regret for this denial and oppression to individuals on the basis of gender and race, and such recognition and regret is long overdue;
Therefore, let it be resolved that the NAD acknowledges and expresses sincere remorse and regret for the detrimental effects of its discriminatory exclusion of deaf women from voting privileges and discriminatory exclusion of deaf black individuals from membership and voting privileges.
Resolved, this is a call to action for the NAD including the Board, staff, all members and affiliates of our association, to remember this shameful history and ensure it is never again repeated.
Resolved, the NAD and all its members and affiliates shall work to ensure that discrimination against any individual will never be tolerated in any type or form, to educate ourselves about our privileges and accept others as our equal; and to correct any form of oppression.
Title: Diplomas for Black Deaf Graduates of the KY School for the Deaf
Code: 2012-RES-002
Whereas, approximately seventy-five (75) black deaf students completed the twelfth grade at the Kentucky School for the Deaf between the years of 1930 and 1955;
Whereas, these black deaf students were refused their high school graduation diplomas despite having completed their courses at the Kentucky School for the Deaf between the years of 1930 and 1955;
Whereas, the Kentucky Association of the Deaf began efforts to correct this injustice;
Whereas, the Kentucky Association of the Deaf with its allies, the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet, successfully advocated for the recognition and reversal of this error;
Whereas, upon receiving notice of this grievous error, the Kentucky Department of Education, which governs the Kentucky School for the Deaf, took steps to correct this grievous wrong of withholding high school graduation diplomas from these individuals;
Whereas, in August of 2011, the Kentucky Department of Education conferred diplomas upon these individuals who had graduated from the Kentucky School for the Deaf;
Whereas, the National Association of the Deaf wishes to recognize the efforts of all who made amends for decades of injustice and provided upon seventy-five individuals by ensuring the receipt of long denied graduation diplomas.
Therefore, let it be resolved, the National Association of the Deaf acknowledges the accomplishments of the black deaf students at the Kentucky School for the Deaf between the years of 1930 and 1955; and
Therefore, the National Association of the Deaf commends the conscientious decision of the Kentucky Department of Education to correct this grievous injustice, and praises the diligent efforts of the Kentucky Association of the Deaf to bring recognition to those black deaf individuals who attended the Kentucky School for the Deaf between the years of 1930 and 1955. Special thanks are accorded to the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing and the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet for their significant assistance on this critically important matter.
Title: NAD Invitation to Governor Daugaard
Code: 2012-RES-003
Whereas, Governor Daugaard of South Dakota was invited to speak to the NAD Assembly to share his experiences as a child of deaf adults (CODA) and his insights into strategies for effective community advocacy in the Deaf community;
Whereas, the Governor regretfully declined the invitation due to the conflict in his schedule;
Therefore, be it resolved, that the NAD hopes that there will be another opportunity for such interaction.
Be it further resolved, that NAD acknowledges the concerns within the Deaf community created by the Daugaard situation and that NAD acknowledges the concerns addressed by the Deaf community about diversity, inclusiveness and privilege; and
Be it resolved, that NAD will continue to foster relationships with public officials who have the experience and understanding of inclusiveness and diversity related to the Deaf Community.
Title: Recognition of Bobbie Beth Scoggins Service as NAD President
Code: 2012-RES-004:
Whereas, Bobbie Beth Scoggins has served the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) for many years in many capacities;
Whereas, Bobbie Beth Scoggins has served the NAD as a Board Member for Region II from 2004 to 2006;
Whereas, Bobbie Beth Scoggins has served the NAD admirably and with excellence as the President of the NAD for six years from 2006 to 2012;
Whereas, the NAD wishes to express its gratitude and appreciation to Bobbie Beth Scoggins for her dedication and service;
Therefore, let it be resolved that the NAD recognizes the extraordinary dedication and unyielding commitment of Bobbie Beth Scoggins to the NAD and the deaf and hard of hearing community, and expresses its gratitude and appreciation for her contributions.