Direct link to ASL: https://youtu.be/nqcoNG2wtnw?feature=shared

Video description: Deidra, a tan-skin woman in black background with with black dreadlocks, and a black shirt, wearing glasses. She accessorizes with necklaces, bracelets, and rings. Topher, a light-skin Brown Latine person with short hair, a beard and a black short sleeved polo shirt. behind a sitting Topher is a blue background.

Dear National Association of the Deaf,

In light of the recent events of the Super Bowl halftime performance, it has raised numerous concerns within the Deaf community that have the Deaf community questioning the integrity and the procedure of the selection process for ASL performers. This has been an ongoing issue for several years, over the course of which the harm caused to the Deaf community has increased significantly. As dedicated advocates for the rights and well-being of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community, we start this petition by highlighting the core mission of the National Association of the Deaf (NAD):

"The National Association of the Deaf empowers Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to thrive in a society that ensures their accessibility, rights, and opportunities. We aim to promote, protect, and preserve the rights and quality of life of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in the United States."

In keeping with this mission, we bring to your attention a matter of significant concern that requires immediate and decisive action. Every year, the purported commitment to 'elevating accessibility' falls short of expectations. NAD consistently fails to properly identify ASL performers as interpreters or agents of accessibility, leading to confusion regarding their role—whether they are there to provide accessibility or simply for entertainment. Marlee Matlin has expressed her dismay on X, formerly known as Twitter, during the pre-game:

"I am absolutely SHOCKED at @CBS for introducing the Deaf performers at today’s pregame #SuperBowl and then not showing even one second (or more) of their performance… as has been tradition for the last 30 years. WHY!?"

In 2012, NAD made history by settling with Netflix to ensure captions on their streaming service. In 2021, NAD reached a settlement with the White House after the Trump Administration neglected to provide live interpreting during the press briefings regarding the pandemic. In its dealings with the NFL or broadcasting network, NAD fails to hold to the same standards as it has toward both public and private sectors. This consistent mishandling, misrepresentation, and confusion have caused harm to our community and eroded confidence in the organization's leadership.

Therefore, we, the undersigned, demand the National Association of the Deaf take the following actions.

Issue a Formal Apology: NAD must acknowledge the oversight and the resulting harm by issuing a formal apology. This apology should be delivered in both American Sign Language and written English and disseminated across all available communication channels to ensure it reaches the entire community.

Conduct a Thorough Investigation: We urge the Board to thoroughly investigate the possibility of exploitation by any parties involved in the selection process or collaboration with the NFL. It is essential to ensure that no individuals or entities have taken advantage of the situation for personal gain at the expense of the deaf community's rights and representation. Transparency and accountability in this investigation are paramount to restoring trust and confidence in NAD's leadership.

We call upon the NAD Board to uphold the integrity of the organization by initiating a comprehensive investigation into the following areas:

1. The existence of any conflicts of interest during the selection process, as outlined in Section IV #14 of the NAD bylaws.
2. The nature of the relationship between Love Sign and NAD at the time of announcing the collaboration with the NFL.
3. The role, if any, that NAD played in facilitating or participating in this collaborative effort.

Establish a Dedicated Committee: Assuming NAD views the incident as aligned with its objectives, we propose the creation of a dedicated committee. This committee would oversee future selection processes, ensuring they are conducted transparently and inclusively.

Ensure Transparency and Adherence to Due Process: We expect NAD to commit to transparency and due process by providing a comprehensive report of the investigation's findings. This report should be made public no later than by March 31st, 2024. Should there be a need for an extension, the Board must communicate this transparently through all available channels, with a final deadline set no later than April 30th, 2024.

By signing this petition, we unite in solidarity to call for accountability, transparency, and a reaffirmed commitment to the principles and mission of the NAD. It is imperative that the National Association of the Deaf takes immediate action to address these concerns, restore trust within the community, and ensure that such oversights do not recur in the future.

Sincerely,

Members and Stakeholders