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Students urge Haddonfield board not to cut ASL program, citing access and college recognition
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Summary
Multiple students told the board proposed cuts to American Sign Language classes would undermine visual learning, limit progression to ASL 3 required for language honors and reduce inclusivity; parents and residents echoed support and urged careful AI policy development to avoid widening gaps.
Several students and community members urged the Haddonfield School District Board of Education not to reduce funding or class offerings for the American Sign Language program during the public‑comment period.
Student speakers, including Addison and Sadie Belkin, said ASL relies on visual instruction and that increasing class sizes to an estimated 30 students would prevent students in back rows from seeing instructors’ hands and therefore impede learning. They noted that ASL 3 is required for admission to the National Language Honor Society and warned that removing or limiting course offerings could prevent current ASL 2 students from completing required sequence courses.
"If we cannot see the teacher's hands, we don't learn," one student said. Speakers described ASL as a practical life skill that fosters inclusion for deaf and hard‑of‑hearing community members and said inaccurate guidance discouraging freshmen from taking ASL (based on a belief it is not accepted by colleges) is harming student opportunity. They cited specific colleges that accept ASL credits, including several selective institutions and nearby universities.
Tom Woodcock, a resident, echoed the students’ concerns and said ASL increases accessibility in the community. Other commenters raised questions about how the district will define and implement AI use in classrooms, warning that students without access to AI tools or teachers proficient in them could fall behind while also noting potential benefits for students with disabilities.
Board members did not make any immediate decisions on ASL during the meeting; the item was presented during public comment so board response and any policy or budgetary changes will be addressed in future agenda discussions.
