Wednesday, February 27, 2008

Protest at School for Deaf

The North Carolina School for the Deaf is in turmoil following the suspension of seven students and five staff members who protested the quality of the education being offered. There are also concerns over the technology, food and athletic opportunities. The school’s director, Linda Lindsey, threatened to suspend anyone who participated, so only a handful of students turned out for the protest. School administrators allegedly told students that anyone getting suspensions would not graduate or attend college or have a career. Before the protest was to take place, local police took up positions at the entrances to the school and set up barricades to prevent anyone from coming on campus beside students. The North Carolina Association of the Deaf says it's concerned that the deaf students’ civil rights may have been violated. Students also complain that Lindsey and several administrators are not fluent in sign language and use interpreters to speak with students.