To the editor:
In response to "Students want U. to reconsider sign language program cuts" (April 15), I would like to add as a past student of the program that, American Sign Language at Brown has enriched my life and my involvement in the global deaf community. One reason the University claims that the ASL program at Brown is being discontinued is that unlike other languages, it cannot be used when studying abroad. I studied abroad in Seville, Spain, where I was self-conscious of my Spanish capabilities and looked for other ways to delve into the culture and people of a foreign country. I found that outlet through LSE (Spanish Sign Language) classes, where all my classmates were Spanish and my professor was deaf.
Another of the University's arguments is that ASL is not relevant to undergraduate concentrations. I am a Community Health concentrator. Using the skills I gained in ASL and knowledge of deaf culture, I developed my final project in a public health class on the problems that people who are deaf face when accessing health care services. I conducted interviews with members of the Deaf community, Dept. of Health, and the Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.
Another reason the University puts forth for ending ASL classes is that the program needs to be expanded and developed in order to not be "deficient." Yet I was able to volunteer as a counselor and translator at a summer camp for children who were deaf because of my experiences here with ASL
When the University labels the current ASL classes as "deficient," I take it as an insult to the beautiful experiences that I have had.
Jessica Zerillo '05
April 16
