Friday, July 5, 2013

AFA letter of support for the Deaf Studies Programme at Bristol

5 July 2013

 Greetings,

 This letter serves to communicate our support for the Deaf Studies Programme at the University of Bristol. The reputation of this programme is both respected and valued in international Deaf communities. The development of this bilingual (BSL/English) university-level program, which has disseminated quality scholarship and nurtured Deaf leaders and educators, is without peer. The programme has also worked with the British Deaf community promoting activism and creative works. We believe this programme has made a significant impact on the way that Deaf people, educators and laypeople view Deaf people worldwide. Do not consign the programme to the annals of history prematurely. There is still much, much work to do and we need this programme to continue as a guiding force.

 As an organization committed to social justice, it is our hope that your institution is also committed to the human, linguistic, economic and civil rights of all peoples. One way you can ACT upon this commitment is to continue to support the value of Deaf Cultural Studies at the University of Bristol.

 Let Freedom Roll!

 Patti Durr, Ruthie Jordan and Karen Christie for Audism Free America

 Audism Free America is a grassroots Deaf activist network in the US, which advocates for Deaf American rights, cultural resurgence, and seeks primarily to challenge the ideological foundations of audism in America. For more information see: audismfreeamerica.blogspot.com or contact us via AudismFreeAmerica@gmail.com

 Letter sent to: Professor Eric Thomas, Vice Chancellor Univeristy of Bristol Senate House Tyndall Avenue Bristol England BS8 1TH UK via Jami.west@bristol.ac.uk Mr. denis Burn,Chair of Council Denis.burn@bristol.ac.uk Hugh.martin@bristol.ac.uk savebristolcds@gmail.com