my own Deaf parents had to attend a segregated school that catered only to deaf students of color.
The building location for the Kendall Division II on Gallaudet University's campus was
eventually torn down to make room for the Kellogg Conference Center. A plaque was put up to mark
the historical significance of Kendall Division II, and it can be found in the back behind the standing
sign for the Kellogg Conference Center. Unfortunately, I do not feel the placement of this plaque is
appropriate. I feel it represents a comparable situation of Black people sitting in the back of public
buses during the pre-civil rights movements.
Recently Gallaudet University's President Roberta Cordano was shocked to see the placement
of the Kendall Division II plaque as she had not seen it when she first became President. I am
pleased to state that Dr. Cordano has taken a very serious look at the placement of this plaque and
will move it in a prompt manner. President Cordano is also pushing hard to establish an outdoor
museum that will include the important story of Kendall Division II. I am currently participating as one
of the stakeholders in a series of meetings in the planning for this new museum. Louise Miller will be
memorialized in this important space on Gallaudet University's beautiful Kendall Green campus.
Architectural drawings have been created to design the outdoor museum. I am extremely excited
about these developments as they are so important, not only for me, but for all Americans (see the
Kendall School Division II Memorial Project). I hope you share my excitement as we look ahead to the
acknowledgment of the Kendall Division II and establishment of a new museum on Gallaudet
University’s campus.
I look forward to contributing more to SASL, and again, I thank you for the opportunity to share
my stories.
Source: http://www.thatdeafguy.com/?p=719
The Power of ASL 9
Summer 2020 – Issue 18