Gallaudet University Gets HUGgy

It's been awhile since I recovered an old issue of Silent News but I think I need to write this.

Back in the Fall of 2001 Gallaudet University opened up its first admission in the undergraduate program (Hearing Under Graduate) to potential hearing students. Of course, hearing students must be proficient in sign language and no other special accomodation would provided and be treated just like any other deaf/hh students on the campus of Gallaudet University. The program was set up because Gallaudet University recieved admission request from hearing students seeking undergraduate degrees. And so, HUG was set up but not without controversy prior to that when a committee was set up in 1999 to investigate the possibility of allowing hearing students in a bachelor degree program.

In October of 1999, Gallaudet University had almost a near riot on their hands had it gotten any more heated. The proposed HUG program sparked mostly negative reactions from deaf/hh students and staff at Gallaudet. Many students found it to be potentially liberating to learn from each other. But when it came to fraternities or sororities, they would prefer not to see hearing undergraduates become their frat boy or sorority sister. Not just the greek organizations, but any organizations on the campus of Gallaudet University.

What an odd way to go. Welcome hearing undergraduate students to the campus of Gallaudet University in the name of "diversity" and "cultural learning" but ban them from joining any deaf organization.

Problem is, Gallaudet University and its organization cannot prevent hearing undergraduates from joining one of their organization. These HUGgers will enjoy the same priviledge and treatment as the rest of the deaf/hh students at Gallaudet University. Even Astrid Goodstein, executive director of enrollment at Gallaudet University, made it pointedly clear that,

"Under no circumstances will the hearing students have special accommodations in any place on campus. Not in the classroom, not in the dorms, not in the registrar’s office. They will be treated as equal to our deaf students." - Excerpted from Silent News, Dec. 2000

Equal. Did you hear that? I wonder if that is a step up or step down? Anway, they're equal according to the eyes of President I King Jordan and Goodstein. And now, these HUGgers could try and join, for example, the ASP (Alpha Sigma Phi) fraternity. But of course many if not most of deaf/hh students will not like this. But I say this, too effing bad. President of the Student Body Government, Chris Soukup said,

"We will work to proactively involve them in all aspects of campus life and we will make sure they are deserving of all factions of the ‘Gallaudet experience’ that has enriched the lives of so many." - Excerpted from Silent News, Dec. 2000

I sincerely hope that one of the HUGgers get to join a fraternity or sorority, or some other organization on campus. Should these frats or organizations find a way to actively discourage and prevent HUGgers from joining, then they're looking for a lawsuit on their hands. And when it does happen I sincerely hope that they would lose just to learn about the facts of life regarding their precious little bubble. You cannot be discriminatory and exclusionary at the same time while inviting hearing undergraduate students into your world. It's either you invite them or you do not. And since Gallaudet University invited hearing undergrads to come and learn, they also invite them to be a part of the Gallaudet University's campus experience...including on becoming important contributors or members (gasp!) to the numerous deaf/hh organizations, fraternities, sororities and sports on campus. Imagine that.

Live with it.