Monday, June 10, 2013

Protest at Connecticut School

A protest took place at the American School for the Deaf this morning. The Connecticut school is making changes that some alumni don't care for. Several dozen of them picketed on the sidewalk in front of the school, carrying signs like "ASD Not For Sale." The focus of their concern is Gallaudet Hall, which is slated to be torn down soon. Some of the property is being sold while two other buildings are up for sale as well. The protesters say the alumi were not told about the changes--something the school denies. Even though American is the oldest deaf school in the country, it was actually founded in the city of Hartford in 1817. It moved a few years later to West Hartford and in 1921 Gallaudet Hall became the symbol of the school. The state approved the demolition and land sale in April and a new building is supposed to be open this fall. The protesters say they'll be back tomorrow.