Poll: Is this Astronaut signing in SEE, PSE or ASL?

I suppose you remembered last year when a female astronaut became the first astronaut in space to sign back to Earth in a signed video message to the people of Earth? Review this video and tell me what you think is her mode of communication is like.  Watch the video of her signing and then take a poll at the bottom on what you think her mode of communication is when it comes to signing.



If you're not sure on which mode of communication she may be using then click on one of the links below.

What is SEE?

What is PSE?

What is ASL?

What is SE, SimCom, and Total Communication? 

Gallaudet University ranked #5 on number of forcible sex or rape reported on campus?

Update: See updated rape figures for 2010 year here in a new blog piece. 

I crunched some numbers on the number of forcible sex or rape that occurred in 292 colleges and universities, including Gallaudet University, that have enrollment figures between 1,000 and 2,000.  I selected private nonprofit colleges and universities that have 4-year or higher academic offerings. Data gathered are on forcible sex offenses or rape that were reported in 2007, 2008 and 2009.  I selected data reported only on main campuses (and not satellite campuses) that have student residential facilities or dormitories. The reported data for each college and university can be found in The Campus Safety and Security Analysis from the US Dept of Education (go to main page to get the required data)

Gallaudet University enrollment is 1488 according to the The Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis from the US Dept of Education. For my data analyses I selected universities and colleges with enrollment numbers between 1,000 and 1,499, and another data set on enrollment numbers between 1,500 and 1,999 students. The most current data from 2007, 2008 and 2009 were used to determine the total number of reported forcible sex or rape in the effort to establish a ranking. 

For a complete Excel spreadsheet on the 292 colleges and universities on the number of reported forcible sex for year 2007, 2008 and 2009 please go here to download the spreadsheet I created.

I have found that the combined number of reported forcible sex or rape for year 2007, 2008 and 2009 showed that Gallaudet University is ranked 5th based on the total number of reported forcible sex or rape cases when compared to 291 other colleges and universities. Most of the crimes occurred in dormitories. Not surprising. In 2007 Gallaudet University reported 6 forcible sex or rape,  2008 with 4 cases and 2009 with six reported cases for a total of 16 reported cases of forcible or sex on campus with 14 of them occurred in dormitories over three years.

When compared to 15 other colleges and universities that have a combined total of at least 10 reported cases of forcible sex or rape, Gallaudet University ranks 5th on the combined number of reported forcible sex or rape for year 2007, 2008 and 2009.

There were 153 (out of 292) universities and colleges that reported no forcible sex or rape for year 2007, 2008 and 2009.

Below are the order of ranking on the total number of reported forcible sex or rape cases for year 2007, 2008 and 2009 combined along with enrollment size (in 2009) seen in parentheses:

1 - Walla Walla University (1808) - 60 (note: this has been corrected due to numerical error in database. Walla Walla University had 0 reported forcible sex reported in year 2008).
2 - Warren Wilson College (1028) - 42
3 - Randolph-Macon College (1246) - 31
4 - Amherst College (1744) - 20
4 - Anna Maria College (1589) - 20
4 - Swarthmore College (1525) - 20
5 - Gallaudet University (1488) - 16
6 - Albion College (1738) - 15
7 - Knox College (1407) - 14
8 - Ohio Wesleyan University (1893) - 13
8 - Oklahoma Baptist University (1764) - 13
9 - Wartburg College (1800) - 12
10 - Virginia Wesleyan College (1336) - 11
11 - Colby-Sawyer College (1122) - 10
11 - Lawrence University (1483) - 10
11 - Notre Dame College (1872)- 10

Previous data for year 2006 came up with 5 reported cases of forcible sex or rape at Gallaudet University. The link shown does not provide any data for 2005.

What's disturbing is that only the number of forcible sex is required

On March 26, 2006 I did a blog on the number of forcible sex or rape for year 1991-1992, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004.

Several years ago Gallaudet University instituted a new policy mandating dry dorms on campus. But even with dry dorms the number of rapes and sexual assaults on campus continues to go up when you compare official reports of 1 rape for the 1991-1992 year and fast forward to 1999 and beyond. For the year 1999 Gallaudet University officially reported 2 instances of forcible sex offenses or rapes. Even with the mandated dry dorms over the last several years official reports on forcible sex offenses or rapes did not stay low. In fact, it had gotten worse in most years since. In 2000 (3 forcible sex offenses or rapes), 2001 (5 rapes), 2002 (3 rapes), 2003 (7 rapes), and in 2004 with an official report required by federal law that 2 forcible sex offenses or rapes took place on the campus of Gallaudet University.

In summary based on what I have gathered:

2009 - 6
2008 - 4
2007 - 6
2006 - 5
2005 - n/a
2004 - 2
2003 - 7
2002 - 3
2001 - 5
2000 - 3
1999 - 2
1991/1992 - 1
 
Despite with one dry dorm (Ballard) and a strict alcohol policy of no public consumption on campus (including no drinking in the hallways and lounge rooms in dormitories) the number of reported forcible sex or rape did not go down. The trend continues to go up albeit slowly over the last several years .

In 1993 Gallaudet University, as reported in People magazine "Silent Screams," put together a task force on coming up with a comprehensive policy on sexual assault according to Dwight Benedict who was at the time Director of Student Life.

"We truly believe we've done our very best," counters Benedict. "We put together a task force on sexual assault just last year."  Organized in July, the task force is still in the process of coming up with a comprehensive policy on sexual assault for the next group of incoming freshmen. It is required by federal law.

Done "our very best" as quoted in 1994?

Fast forward to 2011 Dwight Benedict is now the Dean of Student Affairs and the heavy question today is why the majority of colleges and universities similar to Gallaudet University in enrollment size have done better with ZERO reported forcible sex or rape for year 2007, 2008 and 2009? And yet Gallaudet University managed to rank 5th based on my analysis for year 2007, 2008 and 2009. What happened? Why the number of reported cases forcible sex or rape have stayed high?

And to make matters worse, rape is considered to be a form of bullying as well when physical/sexual assault is concerned by creating a hostile environment for the victim. How many students who were victims of forcible sex or rape who reported the crime decided to leave Gallaudet University? How many students who were victims never reported the crime decided to leave Gallaudet University?

Forcible sex or rape is reported on Gallaudet University's Annual Crime and Fire Safety Reports website for year 2007, 2008 and 2009 but it's not so easy to find it once you land on the main Gallaudet University website. And there are no long term data that are easily accessible on older forcible sex or rape crime information.

What we are seeing on the number of reported cases on forcible sex or rape is inexcusable when compared to the rest of the 291 colleges and universities of similar size with campus dormitories that have zero number of reported cases of forcible sex or rape.  This is a serious problem for Gallaudet University and  need to be addressed more seriously. Would any parents want to send their son or daughter to school knowing the number of forcible sex or rape that have happened over the years and seeing that it has not gone down but up?

But here's a question worth looking into about the possibility that the number of forcible sex or rape might be even higher because when someone scream for help inside a dormitory, no one can hear the scream for help. Or that the campus climate might instill certain fear and/or stigma preventing victims from reporting the crime. Something that's similar to forcible sex or rape that have gone in residential schools.   Considering those possibilities the actual number of unreported forcible sex or rape crimes might actually be higher than what's being reported currently. Food for thought. Yet this is still a serious issue that has not gone away. It has somewhat gotten worse.

Exactly what are Dwight Benedict, who is the Dean of Student Affairs, and other Gallaudet University administrators doing to address this ongoing and increasing problem of forcible sex or rape crimes on campus?

And a final caveat about on reported offenses as seen in The Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis page where I have gotten my numbers:

The crime statistics found on this website represent alleged criminal offenses reported to campus security authorities and/or local law enforcement agencies. Therefore, the data collected do not necessarily reflect prosecutions or convictions for crimes. Because some statistics are provided by non-police authorities, the data are not directly comparable to data from the FBI's Uniform Crime Reporting System which only collects statistics from police authorities.

I still reserve the right and to caution readers that not all data are completely or necessarily 100% accurate. This is the best available information that I've come across.

ADDENDUM: Here's sobering historical look of how many students did report their rapes back in the early 1990s. Click on this link and read what victims at Gallaudet University had to say.

Has the problem actually gotten worst now at Gallaudet University? Let's see a better, much improved campus environment and security, and that students are better informed about rape on campus. No one should suffer and be a victim of rape.

Do Not Watch This Video

Click on YouTube for more information. You'll see.

A Poll: Do you sign mostly in PSE, SEE or ASL?

Note: Poll is not a scientific survey.

ASL, PSE or SEE on the rise?

Let's ask ourselves honestly here. People are saying that ASL is on the rise. Sure, but to what extent compared to PSE or even SEE? Which ones of the signing format would be on the rise in a much bigger way? In short, which ones are the popular signing format used the most? Before I continue let's watch a video of an astronaut signing in space last year.



Now, is that astronaut signing in a SEE, PSE fashion or completely in ASL? (note: you will have to go to the original YouTube page to see the closed captioned part by clicking on the YouTube screen here).

Next, let's watch Gnarly Dorkette's video she made 2 years ago of her signing explaining CDI's role and requirement when it comes to English understanding and competency, PSE, SEE, and ASL.



Now, is her signing done in an ASL, PSE or SEE format?(note, click on the YouTube video to see her transcript of her signing).

Next, let's watch a video of a person demonstrating the four different ways of signing the same Billy Goat story using SEE, Signed English, PSE and ASL so you can see the evolving differences where it goes from following in English word order and grammar to a completely different grammar structure in ASL.



Now, having seen all the videos, which I hope you sincerely did watch and review them all, what would you consider the astronaut's signed input be like? And ask yourself if her signing accurately portrays how most signers tend to sign in. And, if so, then wouldn't her signing format be the one that's on the rise and be deserved special recognition?

If you call the astronaut's mode of signing as PSE then you cannot call the astronaut's signing as "ASL," right? But if you call her signing as "ASL" then it goes against conventional wisdom according to the Billy Gruff story signing examples because her signing was done in English word order and grammar.

So, which ones is it that's on the rise when it comes to signing?

Have fun.

Damn the ASL, Full speed ahead!

If you know a thing about naval history or two you'd probably might recognize this slightly changed phrase "Damn the ASL, Full speed ahead!" as borrowed from one of the famous and well known naval quotes. And if you look at the bolded italics below it's exactly what I've been doing lately as seen in my latest vlog in response to a deaf professor's rant against a deaf female blogger as I continue to steam full speed ahead on being who I am regardless of the "mines" around me.

"Damn the torpedoes, Full speed ahead!"

Admiral David Glasgow Farragut (1801-1870). Aboard Hartford, Farragut entered Mobile Bay, Alabama, 5 August 1864, in two columns, with armored monitors leading and a fleet of wooden ships following. When the lead monitor Tecumseh was demolished by a mine, the wooden ship Brooklyn stopped, and the line drifted in confusion toward Fort Morgan. As disaster seemed imminent, Farragut gave the orders embodied by these famous words. He swung his own ship clear and headed across the mines, which failed to explode. The fleet followed and anchored above the forts, which, now isolated, surrendered one by one. The torpedoes to which Farragut and his contemporaries referred would today be described as tethered mines.

[Hearn, Chester G. Admiral David Glasgow Farragut: The Civil War Years. (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1988): 263-265. According to the book by Admiral Farragut's son, The Life of David Glasgow Farragut, First Admiral of the United States Navy, (New York: D. Appleton and Company, 1879), pages 416-417, Admiral Farragut said "Damn the torpedoes! Four bells! Captain Crayton, go ahead! Joucett, full speed!"]

I've not changed in who I am. I have used my voice in the past at Gallaudet University's blog/vlog conference and I will continue to do so into the future whether it'd be on YouTube, my blog or in DVTV.  And "Damn the ASL" as I continue to sign in PSE or ASL or a mix of both. No shame in how I communicate. I acknowledge my own English language upbringing, my use of my voice, my hearing aid, and even my way of signing. So, full speed ahead! Those mines are duds!

My discussion in DVTV continues on the issues between PSE and ASL. It's not that I'm discounting ASL but rather questioning the fact whether deaf/hh people who know signing actually sign in PSE rather than in purely in ASL.  And seeing the irony of how some people proclaim to be ASL signers but sign rather obviously in a PSE or PSE/ASL format instead. There is no shame in signing and acknowledging the use of PSE over ASL. There are people who have a preference and reason to sign in PSE rather than ASL and vice versa. No shame in that. Just as there is no shame for me to use my voice in expressing my opinions in YouTube provided that I includes captions so that my videos are accessible to most people, deaf or not.

DVTV will allow my recent video to stay on and I'm thankful to Tayler for allowing that. I have not broken any rules and according to the R-List the goal is for a full and healthy discourse that are accessible for deaf and hard of hearing community users.

We at DeafVIDEO.TV are committed to increasing the accessibility of information for Deaf and Hard of Hearing community users and look forward to a positive and thriving exchange of views in a respectful and safe manner.

Tayler has been doing the right thing in DVTV on helping to try and keep dialogues in a respectful and safe manner.

Matt Hamill's UFC win payout disaparity over Ortiz's pay

You would think that Matt Hamill would get a pretty good chunk of money for winning the UFC fight against Tito Ortiz but not so. Despite Tito Ortiz losing all three rounds against Matt Hamill it was Tito who came out on top, money-wise, by nearly 10 times the purse pay that Hamill got in an UFC fight on October 26, 2010.

In the UFC, fighters’ payment is a problem, and the amount that fighters are earning is also a problem. How do you pay Matt Hamill $29,000, with a $29,000 win bonus and pay his opponent Tito Ortiz $250,000 to fight. Ortiz hasn’t won since 2006 when he last beat 42-year-old Ken Shamrock.

Now, I do take my hat off to Tito Ortiz for standing up to White in the past and now this could be a case of the squeaky wheel getting the oil. In 2008, Yahoo Sports reported White saying, “(Ortiz) is one of the most dishonest human beings I’ve ever met,” White said. “I put up with him when he was a good fighter. He’s not anymore. He’s done. I’m no longer in the Tito Ortiz business.”

How can you pay him a quarter-million dollar to fight and he loses his fourth fight in a row and still employed?

Great question there.

Another question, who should Hamill fight next? Silva? Or Vera?

Message to Don Grushkin

My video message to Don Grushkin on his recent PSE and ASL vlog discussion about Candy's blogsite, and going after Candy about her blog about the ASL language question issue.

You don't belong here at Gallaudet University

Worst thing to say to a deaf or hard of hearing person who is thinking of going to Gallaudet University, those who are currently students, or those who have been to Gallaudet University by another deaf person who is an alumnus by saying "you don't belong here at Gallaudet University." Yes, This was actually said against Charles Wirick in a case that showed increasingly the (circumstantial) evidence was more likely over miscommunication issues than anything else along with him being a target in the effort to get him to look like a trouble maker than not. Of course, there are possibly a few more varying factors that ultimately led to suspending Wirick for one year from Gallaudet University.

Lately, Charles Wirick's videos were removed for unknown reasons over the holidays. His account was also deleted.  If you haven't seen them then you're out of luck. But here's the burning question. Was bullying involved here that ultimately cost Wirick one year of suspension from Gallaudet University? Who was doing the bullying if any? Gallaudet University administration? The students? The Buff and Blue? By fraternity and/or sorority members?  Student Conduct Board? Who pushed whom over there? And why? Those the are questions I'm trying to raise here over my last several blogs about the Charles Wirick's case. What really happened here and seems like Gallaudet University does not really care or do not wish to address the issue at all.  How ironic and interesting to see all of a sudden Gallaudet University to start with this anti-bullying campaign just recently last year in 2010. Maybe they need to look at their own administration internally a bit more deeper and see who protecting who.  I'm sure it isn't the Pawheeves doing the protecting here which has mysteriously disappeared if you click on the link. But something is certainly going on within the system that has been worked in over the years,Vishnu or not. Right, Dwight?

Anybody who is deaf or hard of hearing is certainly welcomed to attend Gallaudet University and once there, no matter the preferred mode of communication, that person belongs there just like everybody else. It's really up to the person to decide for personal reasons on not wanting to go to Gallaudet University. And once that person graduates, he or she represents Gallaudet University. Just like me. I certainly belong but that's another story.  And I'll be sure to remind people that Gallaudet University must adhere to Section 504 ruling established by Congress.

Best and Worst Responses for 2010, Part 2 of 4.

Continuing from Part 1 of 4.


April 2010

Since I got my new hearing aids, I have upgraded myself from 'deaf' to HH' I hear so much better with them and I am enjoying my friends at work so much!! Before that it was a chore to talk to anyone. Now I'm participating in the chatter and it has made a world of difference in my happiness at work.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/04/value-of-work-encounters-for-deaf-and.html


May 2010

Thanks to these people, the Deaf community is now a laughingstock.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/avdism.html

Instead of "F*ck the Deaf Community", that the hearing father already regretted, maybe it should be more of "F*ck the Mask of Benevolence Community".
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/fck-you-deaf-community.html

Wow. Strong words. Eventually that guy's daughter will turn up at an HLAA, ALDA or IFHOH Convention. She'll fit right in with the rest of us oral deaf people. No one will care how she communicates. Since more than 2/3 of all deaf people are oral deaf, she'll be in good company. ;-) I've met many, many like her.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/fck-you-deaf-community.html

Oh, I know. I know. You'll never understand.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/fck-you-deaf-community.html

I wonder If I, a mother wants to remove hair cells in my child's cochlea, will it be consider a child abuse?
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/fck-you-deaf-community.html

Hedy-- You've used that example before and it creeps me out.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/fck-you-deaf-community.html

Ulaubooooo, scoobie doooooo, fuggamatich sammywich with mayo hamncheese!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/deafhood-no-thanks.html

Mike...you never fail to disappoint me. Once again, you've shown how narrow minded and uneducated you are.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/deafhood-no-thanks.html

hee hee ... good one, Mike! hope this one will go into your year-end collection of greatest zingers. good to see you haven't lost your way with words, or your sense of humor!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/deafhood-no-thanks.html

Trevor, it's a satire. You're making a big frakking deal out of this satire. Chill out, dude.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/deafhood-no-thanks.html


Yup, Mike, you can chill now...my Deafologist group has just deemed you're not a suppressive after all. (Bzzzz) Oops that was my pager....let's see...ah...that was my commander...he says I must go back to auditing people. Well, excuse me, I'm gonna go now to spread the bliss! Peace out...
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/deafhood-no-thanks.html

I have a BA and MA in English, so I know what a satire is.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/deafhood-no-thanks.html

You got crushed by a Meriam-Webster dictionary over your two English degrees.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/deafhood-no-thanks.html

I fully expect the Deafhood "leadership" to start looking for me now, as I am within their ranks, the most dangerous threat to their plans. I am: Fiver!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/deafhood-no-thanks.html

Hmmm... the potential hazard is you and your computer might be insanely brain washed instantly.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/google-posts-deafhood-warning-on-search.html

I just saw someone creating a new word: deaffort. Have no idea what it is. It is being discussed over in a very secluded and closed video world.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/very-special-people-hate-crime.html


And, Mike, lay off that hand-rubbing gesture for pausing. Kinda make you look like a villain gleefully plotting something with hand-rubbing. I had the same problem with experimenting my first couple vlogs.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/part-ii-mikes-asl-vlog-to-deaf.html

Heh heh. My plan is working flawlessly! *rubs hands.* You know, I don't have a plan. I just rub my hands together and chuckle.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/part-ii-mikes-asl-vlog-to-deaf.html

Comment deleted. This post has been removed by the author.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/05/adversity-perspective-from-deafhh.html


June 2010

I think it's sad someone is donating such a large sum of money to a group that is about doing nothing instead of to a group that is about doing SOMETHING.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/money-donated-to-deafhood-no-thanks.html

holding a doctorate degree isn't going to make you rich and successful.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/money-donated-to-deafhood-no-thanks.html

Who makes fun of a kid? That guy is an ass.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/when-deaf-person-is-mocked-for-his.html

I honestly don't think that Deaf Hate Crime is materialized. Someone is trying to make money out of it. Hate Crime is enough.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/jumping-deaf-hate-crime-bandwagon.html

At your next Vlog, please take your hat off since I cannot see your eyes that are a significant part of ASL for understanding. thanks.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/jumping-deaf-hate-crime-bandwagon.html

Still laughing here on my end... showed the video to my daughter who laughed her head off. She said, "if he'd play the game once he'd know what monopoly money is".
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/critical-analysis.html

I was disappointed that they didn't make out in the end.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/sock-pow-its-deaf-dynamic-duo.html

Yep. A bunch of hypocrites. Why not attack Cerf for not giving up his AGBell medal award after 13 years? Bunch of wimps, emotional cry babies. I dare those Deaf extremists to challenge Cerf to give up his medal! I DARE YA!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/vincent-cerf-accepted-award-from-agbell.html

So...Al Gore didn't invent the Internets?
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/vincent-cerf-accepted-award-from-agbell.html

Don't you dare to mock or defile John Ebgert at all!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/poll-do-you-approve-ab2072-bill.html

Some people need the esteem booster by meeting self-appointed leaders.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/poll-do-you-approve-ab2072-bill.html

How is it good to drill a hole and scrap off skull bone and insert some sort of foreign objection inside the head just to hear well? How is it good to teach "false" language like cued speech to deaf children. How is it good for children with profound hearing loss to learn to speak and hear when it s actually just a guessing game?
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/poll-do-you-approve-ab2072-bill.html


I just read RLM’s post linking here. LOL. I must say reading his insane post keeps me sane.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/ag-bell-on-ab2072.html

It's a shame that Edwin Black has also marginalize the history of Jewish people by comparing this AB2072 bill as a possible road to eugenics.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/when-anti-ab2072-group-uses-nazi-labels.html

You or anybody else do not own deaf or hh babies. They are not your "Deaf babies." Nor are they born "Deaf" which is a cultural label to begin with.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/when-anti-ab2072-group-uses-nazi-labels.html

you spend more time going after AGBell than you do promoting ASL.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/when-anti-ab2072-group-uses-nazi-labels.html

Mike, most of us know your reputation being a subtle propagandist to destroy the Deaf community working on the betterment for all deaf babies. you made a choice to negate without going through the journey. again, you don;t want to take this journey and you choose to negate, negate...
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/deafhood-afa-and-cad-linked-as.html

That was fun!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/deafhood-afa-and-cad-linked-as.html

John, focus on ASL. Stop spending so much time, energy and effort going after AGBell, CI, and so on. This continues to be your Achilles Heel.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/deafhood-afa-and-cad-linked-as.html

Terminological Terrorism
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/deafhood-afa-and-cad-linked-as.html

It's governments and boards that were controlled by white and hearing, STUPID!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/eugenics-of-deaf-indian-sign-language.html


You see David, deaf staffs also played oppressive roles on deaf Indian children back then. This is not news.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/eugenics-of-deaf-indian-sign-language.html

Cute. Trying to shift blame on ASL/Deaf people now, aren't we?
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/eugenics-of-deaf-indian-sign-language.html

I will make my vlog about your irresponsible and uncredible article. Mike, I want you to be aware that I'll hold you accountable.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/eugenics-of-deaf-indian-sign-language.html

Hold me accountable? Over what? Do you know what a "thought exercise" is about?
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/eugenics-of-deaf-indian-sign-language.html

I've monitored him for two years now and can safely assure you. He's so stuck inside of a closed society where people's thoughts are tightly regulated.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/eugenics-of-deaf-indian-sign-language.html

Yeah, it made me smile and also very excited to read this blog and then having heavy sadness for both Native Indian and deaf communities. Oh well, at least I know that we're all okay- just as human beings.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/asl-thrives-isl-dies-and-gets-pushed.html

I’m still waiting for Ebonics sign language to materialize from the black Deaf community so they wouldn't wanted to put up with whitey ASL no more.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/06/asl-thrives-isl-dies-and-gets-pushed.html

Best and Worst Responses for 2010, Part 1 of 4.

Here's my latest review of responses from my blogs where I choose some of the best and worst responses (and some in-between) that were said in 2010. It’s up to you to decide which ones are the best and worst responses. I have done previous "Best and Worst Responses" in 2006 and 2007 but never did it for 2008 or 2009. I figured its time to do it again. Click on the links and see who said what. Perhaps you'll recognize your own response! Some of the names you’ll recognize while many others came from anonymous people. Some comments were like what a “hit and run” driver would do and be like a coward. But there were many names who were quite courteous and well behaved. A mish mash of comments to read and laugh over. Or frown fretfully over them.  I’ll put out 4 different "Best and Worst Responses" blogs from January through March (Part 1), April through June (Part 2), July through September (Part 3), and October through December (Part 4) in order to break them down into a more readable format that's not too lengthy. Here’s Part 1 (January through March). I’ll put the rest of Part 2, 3 and 4 over the next several days. Enjoy!


January 2010
Excellent post, Mike. It disgusts me, how people are buying into this, and especially how Gore is making money from all of this. Not to mention all the money we're pouring into "100-year-fixes".
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/01/are-deaf-people-more-prone-to-believe.html


February 2010
I wonder if RLM realizes that he did the exact opposite of his intention? Rather than getting people to think about A*dism (I hate that term) he made the whole Deaf Community look like intolerant jerks. That helps nobody.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/02/nfl-cochlear-implant-story-continues.html

(e, surprised? I'm not. It's not surprising that there's a lot of ignorant people in this world. Lots of idiots too. ;)
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/02/is-mike-mcconnell-anti-deaf.html

I think you're going to confuse the guy when you say you'll talk with him over the phone even though you are deaf. To me, the ability to use the phone is the line of demarcation between being deaf and not being deaf. How can someone who can understand another person's voice without any visual cues be considered deaf? I went deaf slowly over 15 years and the day I made my last phone call was the day I went deaf.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/02/is-mike-mcconnell-anti-deaf.html

I wouldn't be surprised if that happen someday. Some Deaf people are simply mentally unstable. Pink rooms for them.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/02/deaf-group-attacks-stem-cell-researcher.html

I love it! Other blogs pale in comparison to yours and frankly they are dry..dry...dry!
And thank you for coming back on DeafRead!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/02/why-do-you-like-to-read-kokonut-pundit.html

Hello nice site let me tell you that you have to buy viagra is the easy way to get better, also the web is the fastest way to get viagra online and if you want it cheaper get generic viagra thanks you.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/02/deaf-on-deaf-hate-crime.html (Reason number one to keep an eye out for spams).


March 2010

I'm glad I read this post. It makes your other posts much easier to read. I can actually see your point.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/03/dangers-of-using-wikipedia-to-look-up.html

You were banned for asking a reasonable question? Unbelievable!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/03/baby-born-deaf-deaf-members-celebrate.html

You remembered "My plan is working flawlessly."!!! *putting his little fingernail to his gold tooth, glint*
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/03/baby-born-deaf-deaf-members-celebrate.html


That's why I prayed and hoped that the birth of my kids would come out all intact with all 5 senses working.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/03/baby-born-deaf-deaf-members-celebrate.html

.... and imagine what it's like being the ant in between the manure and the grass. being culturally Deaf, going blind.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/03/baby-born-deaf-deaf-members-celebrate.html

Karma is real bitch for what will do to Rush if he choose not to donate his $$$ to the Deafhood Foundation.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-hope-deafhood-fails.html

As for Deafhood, it's been twisted into a psychological weapon against any d/Deaf person who chooses to use speech and hearing technology, never mind that that person probably may also use ASL and come from a Deaf family, for example. Oralism, speech, and hearing technology are the latest taboos, according to a few Deafhood activists. And thru Deafhood Foundation's associations with DBC and AFA, one can only wonder what next?
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-hope-deafhood-fails.html

Deafhood already failed. The proof is in the pudding!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/03/i-hope-deafhood-fails.html

Even Olise made lot of hate speech against deaf. WAKE UP!
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/03/breaking-deaf-hate-speech-found.html

Been arrested yet on Deaf hate speech charges? Lol.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/03/breaking-deaf-hate-speech-found.html

Whenever they disagree with others' opinions at either ASLrocks or DVTV, they would call them "hate crime/speech".  I honestly don't believe them at all.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/03/breaking-deaf-hate-speech-found.html


Flouride is good for your teeth.
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.com/2010/03/when-piano-dieshorribly.html

The next deaf/hh person to speak/voice at Gallaudet University?

I wondered just recently, how many deaf or hard of hearing people at Gallaudet University actually used their voice to speak to an audience along with interpreters on the campus of Gallaudet University? Students, alumni, guest speakers, or even one from the Gallaudet University administration? I can think of  four people who have done that and I'm sure there were more Deaf, deaf or hard of hearing people who did use their voice instead of signing.

The first one come to mind which is the most famous in the lore of Gallaudet University is Dr. Brueggemann who used her voice at Gallaudet University's graduation ceremony.  She was a last minute replacement for Celia May Baldwin after she resigned from her position because of threats against her by some nutty pro-DPN2 protesters. She was wrongfully scorned for her actions because people simply did not know the true story of why she spoke instead of signed at the May 12, 2006 graduation ceremony.

And had I had any time to actually prepare my remarks for the GU graduation last May, I probably would have signed them more or at least part of them. But I didn't have that prep time. I was dropped into the Acting Chair's position on May 10, to be exact--once CM Baldwin resigned. And I was handed the remarks she was supposed to deliver (already scripted) for graduation on May 12. In fact, they didn't even give me the script until the morning of May 12. And it still had her name at the top of it! So, using oral/spoken English, I could feel comfortable enough to develop a few of my own "touches" in the prepared script. But I sure couldn't do that trying to use ASL....

Dr. Brueggemann received hell for using her voice at Gallaudet University, mostly from bloggers and those who contributed to the discussion about her. You can watch her commencement speech video starting at 45:15.

Next is Michael Chorost, a well known cochlear implantee born with a hearing loss, who spoke at Gallaudet University in March 21, 2007 yet no outrage for this guy although he did sign his introductory name.

View externally


Next is another (unknown) person named "Bobby W." who claimed to have used his voice in 2006 to defend his student teaching experience for his degree at Gallaudet University:

If it makes you feel any better at the height of the campus scandal in 2006 while I was defending my student teaching experience for my degree from Gallaudet in front of the Education Department. I also choose to use my voice to do so. I used ASL for the answering/question session but the actual defense I used my voice. Imagine defending an education degree from Gallaudet University orally. Im sure I was the FIRST to ever do so.


I received a few funny looks from my peers and a few of the EDU professors but It was a success...


-Bobby W.

And then, of course, myself when I used my voice while I was one of the several panel members at Gallaudet University's first ever vlogging/blogging conference in 2007 that was televised live in front of an internet audience and the audience that were physically present. Most people, I think, were quite receptive of my decision to use my voice compared to Dr. Brueggemann.

In a space of about a year from 2006 to 2007 four different people who are deaf or hard of hearing used their voice in front of an audience on the campus of Gallaudet University as far as I know. Could it be a start of a trend?  I'm sure there may have been a few more examples of that since then so does anybody know other deaf/hh people who did use their voice in front of an audience on the campus of Gallaudet University? And if so, how did people respond? Looking back, why did people respond differently to each of those four different people I just mentioned? Will the future see more people deciding to use their voice instead of signing as a choice?

UPDATE: I came across another individual ( a 1975 Gallaudet University alumnus) who did an oral defense at Alliant International University (and not at Gallaudet) as described in Gallaudet University's alumni news page. But note the irony on the study of the defense was about:

'75 - Joe McLaughlin passed the oral defense for his doctoral dissertation, "Sign Language Interpreter Shortage in California: Perceptions of Stakeholders," at Alliant International University in San Francisco, Calif. in January. McLaughlin received his Ed.D. degree in higher education in June.

Racial and Ethnic Spew Against Gallaudet University President Hurwitz, why?

When a person makes an ethnic or racial slur/claim against Gallaudet University by calling the current Hurwitz administration as being run by an "all Jewish, white men" is not only irresponsible but certainly downright conspiratorial in nature as well as obnoxious. It's even worse if it came from a person who graduated from Gallaudet University. This is a slam against Dr. Hurwitz who  became the first Jewish president of Gallaudet University and was also a past president of the World Organization of Jewish Deaf. Is it a slam against the rest of the Gallaudet University administration by making it as if the university is controlled by a bunch of "Jewish men"? It certainly does bring up questions of whether there were any racist and/or anti-semitic undertones. Although it may have been written as not to mean that but to say "all Jewish, white men" simply begs the question.

First off, the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees is consisted of 10 men of which not all of them are white or Jewish, along with 7 women. This is not counting the two from Congress. The Board of Trustees were the ones who picked Dr. Hurwitz to become Gallaudet University's next president.  As for the "Hurwitz administration" it is consisted of the President's Cabinet and Staff.  The make up of people there are just as varied with men and women of different ethnic and racial backgrounds rather than an "all Jewish, white men" run administration.

The President's Cabinet is consisted of Dr. Alan T. Hurwitz (President), Dr. Stephen Weiner (Provost of Academic Affairs), Paul Kelly (Vice President of Administration & Finance), Eward Bosso (Vice President of Laurent Clerc National Deaf Education Center - KDES), Lynee Murray (Vice President of Development and Alumni Relations), Donald Beil (Chief of Staff), Cynthia King (Chief Information Officer), Catherine Andersen (Associate Provost of Enrollment Management and General Studies), Ann Powell (Associate Provost for Diversity) and Fred Weiner (Executive Director of Program Development).  The President's Staff, it is just as varied as well when you look at the names and faces of both men and women.

There is nothing in this current administration to show that it is run by an "all Jewish, white men" if you look at Gallaudet University's organizational chart. You can see that the Board of Trustees is at the top of the organizational chart, and not president Hurwitz.  He would be second in line. Those who work directly under president Hurwitz are Paul Kelly, Lynne Murray, Stephen Weiner, Cindy King, Ed Bosso and Don Beil. Certainly not a cadre of people that fits the "all Jewish, white men" ethnic/racial slam.

Such an accusation is simply irresponsible coming from one deaf person who have said such a thing as seen in a YouTube's comment area yesterday. And, no, I won't point out where or who this person is. Use your imagination. It wouldn't take much to figure out who this person is. You-know-who. Yet it is perfectly alright to question a person's line of work but to raise a person's ethnic upbringing (i.e. Jewish, Catholic, etc) or racial profile shouldn't be a part of the discussion in the first place. As for Hurwitz's case, his Jewish background and "whiteness" have nothing to do with running Gallaudet University as a whole. As far as I can tell, Dr. Hurwitz is still committed to diversity. 

There is no place for anti-semitic or racist undertones aimed at Gallaudet University or the president. Not at this day and age. Not ever.

Oh, btw, Merry Christmas!

ADDENDUM: If you are going to respond in the comment section do not use names. 

Charles Wirick YouTube Video Response

Finally, Charles Wirick has something to say on YouTube video.

Previous blogs on Charles Wirick

Mystery of the missing BnB's Wirick article
The curious case of the Wirick case
Charles Wirick responds to charges in his blog
Poll: Was Charles Wirick bullied and targeted unfairly?
The Charles Wirick's Case: Part 3 of 3 - Ganged up? 
The Charles Wirick's Case: Part 2 of 3 - Rumors
The Charles Wirick's Case: Part 1 of 3

Fund Ella's Hope

Here's a good Pepsi Refresh Project to click on and vote for $25,000 on helping promote greater awareness on the importance of Early Intervention Therapy for a child with this condition. Once a diagnosis is done early enough then proper treatment can begun in earnest that can enable a child to catch up to age appropriate grade levels on communication. Autism can be a life disabling condition unless early invention is done.

Next to vote for is the "Give Deaf Children a Voice" Pepsi Refresh project idea for $250,000. Currently it is in 33rd place. This is also another early intervention help on communication, only this time is to help deaf and hard of hearing children get the gift of speaking that will last a lifetime.

And while we're on the subject of Pepsi, some people continue to misconstrue the AGBell "Superbowl" Pepsi letter that was written almost 3 years ago on Jan 31, 2008 thinking it's a letter attacking sign language. Again, this hardly the truth when it's about raising awareness to Pepsi officials that the majority of deaf and hard of hearing people do not know sign language.  The letter explains to Pepsi that their commercial merely help perpetuates the false myth that most deaf and hard of hearing people know sign language. That is not true. The majority of deaf and hard of hearing people use spoken language as their primary mode of communication. Nothing more. Nothing less. And certainly not an attack on sign language or Deaf people.

Mystery of the missing BnB's Wirick article

This has gotten rather curious. An article written by Derrick Behm on Charles Wirick about his one year suspension over his alleged spreading of his own shooting threat rumor has suddenly disappeared off of the face of the Buff and Blue electronic newspaper website. A website that is owned by Gallaudet University and operated by the The Buff and Blue staff. The October 26, 2010 article disappeared around during the week of December 13. That article may have disappeared on December 17th on the same day when, supposedly if it is him, Charles Wirick created his own blog to counter accusations that he was the one who perpetuated the shooting threat rumors. December 17th was also the same day I decided to do a blog about Wirick coming out with his own blog and that's when I tried to check out BnB's article "Wirick suspended for one year for shooting threat rumor" to see if any additional comments were added but only to find out that the article/blog was taken completely off of the BnB website. My question is this. Why was it removed, Derrick Behm?

This was the second time that BnB did this. The first time it was taken off briefly only to only to correct the article and then it came online shortly thereafter. So far it has been two days since the Wirick article was taken offline.  Although the March 23, 2010 article "Barefoot Trouble" on Charles Wirick is still available about his barefoot walking attempt on campus about him getting back to "nature" so to speak. 

Regardless, the missing BnB article on Wirick is not forever gone. I have it on my MediaFire file hosting page and is available to those who would like to see it. Contact me if you want a copy of the missing article. It can only be seen using the Windows Internet Explorer browser page since it was saved as a Explorer browser. The saved copy of that BnB missing article also contains the 28 comments. Before it was deleted I think there were in excess of some 30+ comments. Since we might not get any answers until after the Christmas break in January 2011 I will keep the missing article available to those who wish to view it in the Windows Explorer browser page. Just let me know.

For what it's worth, I think Charles Wirick might have a case against the Student Conduct Board. A lot of things are not adding up here.



Previous blogs on Charles Wirick

The curious case of the Wirick case
Charles Wirick responds to charges in his blog
Poll: Was Charles Wirick bullied and targeted unfairly?
The Charles Wirick's Case: Part 3 of 3 - Ganged up? 
The Charles Wirick's Case: Part 2 of 3 - Rumors
The Charles Wirick's Case: Part 1 of 3

Video: deaf ice fishermen

Here's a video of deaf ice fishermen somewhere in Europe, perhaps in Russia, Poland or Lithuania. Although not in ASL and there are some captioning but not in English. Still it's interesting to see how they communicate and fish. It was a bit of a contest on seeing who got the most fish. You can probably make some sense of some of their signing but that's about it. The winner appears to be a woman and if so then the title of this YouTube video shouldn't be "fishermen." Heh.

The curious case of the Wirick case

Yesterday Charles (Chas) Wirick seems to have written his own blog to protest the one year suspension against him. A charge as it appears was related on starting the shooting rumor but he contends it wasn't him who began the rumor but others as he explained. He announced in his blog that he is appealing the ruling of the Student Conduct Board hearing.

There are questions as to how these hearings start. According to the Office of Student Conduct Disciplinary Proceedings (OSCDP) it appears that anyone can make any kind of charges:

Any member of the University community (administration, faculty, staff, and students) may request charges against any student(s) for alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct.

Seems pretty easy to go after students if their is an agenda to retaliate.The OSCDP continues:

All allegations of violations should be prepared in writing and directed to the Coordinator of Student Conduct. In addition, any allegation of violations should be submitted as soon as possible after the event takes place.

If Charles Wirick says that others were the ones that started the rumors then where are the charges against them?

The Coordinator of Student Conduct may conduct an investigation to determine if the reported allegation(s) has merit and/or if they can be disposed of administratively by mediation or mutual consent of the parties involved on a basis acceptable to the Student Conduct Office staff. If the charges cannot be disposed of by mediation or mutual consent, the Student Conduct Office staff may later serve in the same manner as a non-voting member of the Student Conduct Board in a hearing.

Apparently mediation never occurred and that charges against Wirick were pending until after the hearing when they doled out the suspension as punishment.

According to disciplinary proceedings Charles Wirick does have the right to appeal his charges and suspension against him but there's a caveat...is it too late? Unless he has some new information or other relevant facts that were not available at the time of his hearing and within 5 days of his decision.

I. The student shall be informed of the right to appeal a decision to the Director of Student Conduct (or the Executive Director of Student Affairs, if the Director served as hearing officer in the case). A decision or judgment of the Coordinator of Student Conduct or hearing official may be appealed by either or both of the parties involved on the following grounds:

* The disciplinary conference was not conducted fairly and in conformity with prescribed procedures, which made it unfair. Deviations from designated procedures will not be a basis for sustaining an appeal unless significant unfairness results.

* New or newly discovered information that could not have been produced at the conference. In order for the Director of Student Conduct (or the Executive Director of Student Affairs, if the Director served as hearing officer in the case) to consider new information sufficient to alter a decision, or other relevant facts not brought out in the original conference, such information and/or facts must not have been known at the time of the original conference by the appellant.

* The decision is not supported by substantial information considering the record as a whole. That is, the facts in the case were not sufficient to establish that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct occurred.

* The sanction imposed was excessive or insufficient and not appropriate for the violation.

An appeal must be in writing, must indicate the basis of the appeal with an explanation, and must be made within five working days of the date the parties were notified of the decision. In an appeal case, sanctions assessed by the initial Coordinator of Student Conduct or hearing officer may be held in suspense until acted upon in appeal. The appeal will be reviewed by the Director of Student Conduct (or Executive Director of Student Affairs if the Director served as hearing officer), and he or she may affirm, reverse, or modify the sanction originally determined. The Coordinator of Student Conduct shall convey pertinent information related to the case. The decision of the Director of Student Conduct (or the Executive Director of Student Affairs if the Director served as hearing officer) is final.

Regardless, it appears to be a messy situation where the victim in all this appears to be Charles Wirick. What it appears is that miscommunication or misunderstanding was the possibility from those who could not understand Wirick's signing since he was still learning how to sign appropriately. He may have misapplied certain signed words or gestures that might have changed the context of what he was talking about and not about him making threats to do the shooting. Even Michael Sprouse made clear of Charles Wirick's background painting him through the implication that he's not a good signer because he was raised oral and with little exposure to Deaf culture and community.

Sprouse described Wirick in frank terms. “He was raised oral without much exposure to Deaf culture and community—and here at Gallaudet he, for the most part, was an outcast. Wirick vented to me before about deaf-to-deaf avdism, which enraged him. He didn’t like how Gallaudet treated him and didn’t know how to fit in the university.”

Big question of the day.  Did the Coordinator of Student Conduct, Student Conduct Office staff and Student Conduct Office itself ever consider the possibility of poor signing as a possibility for misunderstanding and miscommunication to occur causing other students to use that information and begin their own version of a rumor which ended up painting Wirick as a possible shooter?

After all in the Buff and Blue blog they wrote what Michael Sprouse said of Wirick on his signing:

“He looked so determined—full of menace—when he made that statement,” said Sprouse. He stated that Wirick described in graphic American Sign Language how the Kappa Gamma (KG) fraternity brothers, circled in their clique, would be gunned down in the cafeteria, and then the Phi Kappa Zeta (PKZ) sisters would be next."

Graphic ASL? I have two questions. If Charles Wirick not fluent in signing then how can it be "ASL"? It'd be more like PSE or lot of manual signing. Did Wirick sign in SEE? Second question, if it's not done in "ASL" then how was the "graphic signing" done? What did it look like? And so on. And if he's not that fluent or fluid in signing then shouldn't the possibility of poor signing be cause of this miscommunication and misunderstanding as a reason for rumors about him get out of control?

Yes, it appears that something is not right here. If Gallaudet University (i.e. Dr. Hurwitz) have any sense they should look into Wirick's case, the people in the Student Conduct Office and investigate further on these things.  Charles Wirick could be a case where he was unwittingly discriminated against and misunderstood because of his signing ability. And if so, then this does not bode well for all current and future students new to signing at Gallaudet University that their signing could be misconstrued/misunderstood as a threat to campus should they be in a casual discussion at a cafeteria, at Rathskeller or anywhere else on campus.  Did that happen to Charles Wirick? Was he a victim of poor circumstances here? Does Gallaudet University discriminate against poor signers?

We would like to know, Dr. Hurwitz. Do the right thing and look into this.


Addendum note: Curiously the Buff and Blue blog on Wirick is no longer available but I do have a copy of it should it not re-appear which I think it will to include news of Charles Wirick popping up with his own blog protesting the suspension. If not, then I will make the copy available for all. 

Gallaudet University struggles

With apologies to Cox and Forkum.

With all the latest campus bullying, the continuing abuse of new labels, closed society, Gallaudet University seeing less charities and donations each year, Deaf elitism, and the worsening economy make it all the harder for Gallaudet University to press forward for a more open and accepting university for all hearing, Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing students one would think these things would make it easier for Gallaudet University to contend with?  Hardly. The cartoon on the left aptly describes the weight the university must pull and endure.

I'd like to take this opportunity to raise a few facts and one of them is that Gallaudet University is seeing a serious reduction on gifts and pledges over the last few years now. All pledges or gifts (donations) must be reported in Gallaudet University's annual financial reporting under the Government Performance and Results Act. Pledges and gifts or donations are given by both Gallaudet University's alumni and non-alumni people. In 2007 it saw $9.5 million in gifts and pledges but in 2008 and 2009 saw drastic reductions in givings each year at $6.9 and $3.1 million dollars, respectively.  The report explained that the downturn in the economy was a big factor. Perhaps with the right people on board will help devise ways to help increase donations and monetary gifts. We'll see how that goes over the next 2 to 3 years. But lately there has been some grumblings about the recent hiring and appointments at Gallaudet University. Will a 3rd protest happen?

Charles Wirick responds to charges in his blog

It appears that Chas (Charles) Wirick has set up his own blog to counter charges against him "Charles Wirick evidence from Cases." Go and read what he has to say, if the blog is in fact Wirick's which it does appears to be so. The same message in his blog was also left in my blog comment as well

I, Charles Wirick, am appealing the ruling of the Student Conduct Board hearing on two basis:

The decision was not supported by substantial information considering the record as a whole. The facts in the case were not sufficient to establish that a violation of the Student Code of Conduct occurred.

Fact:

There were no physical, verbal abuse, threats, intimidation, harassment, and coercion proven at the hearing. I did not, according to the facts do any of them.

Seven students reported a possible threat of a shooting according to DPS reports. This is suppose to be the reason why I was detained and questioned.

Facts according to DPS reports:

Justin Christian reported that Matt Harris and Jerrod Cunningham were talking about shooting.(It was these two and Justin McDormain and Michael Sprouse that were in the student center talking about the shooting before I arrived) Justin did not name me.

Justin McDormain is not a student. He said at the hearing that Michael started the rumor, not me.

Jelynn Louis reported that Matt Harris and Jerrod Cunningham were talking about a shooting. I was not mentioned.

Britny Latham stated that Matt Harris and Jerrod Cunningham were talking about a shooting and that he started a fire in the dorm. I was not mentioned.

Amanda Biskupiak admitted that I warned her, but she did not understand my sign.

Rachel Steingieser said the same thing as Amanda and repeated that she did not understand my sign.

Stacey DeLaune reported that I warned her about the shooting that 4 others were talking about in student center. She told me to go to DPS and report it so I did.

The sanction imposed was excessive and insufficient and not appropriate.

I was found guilty of spreading rumors that scared and caused panic. I was suspended for one year.

Fact:

I threatened no one.

I was told to report threats to staff, which I did.

I went to DPS and reported it.

I went to Nikki my dorm staff and reported it.

I did not start the rumors, proof shows that four other students did.(Justin, not a current student, admitted that Michael started the rumors at the hearing and he is Mike’s friend).

We are told to report threats. If rumors are grounds for suspension then that should have been the charge and all students that spread rumors should have gotten the same suspension. One year is excessive.

You can read previous blogs about the Charles Wirick case in Part I, II and III.

According to Charles the confusion and misunderstanding appears to revolve around the signing miscommunication on not being able to understand some of Charles Wirick's signing. I brought up this possibility in my earlier blog. Interesting. And that he wasn't the one who spread the rumor.