Instead of investing in teaching police ASL and providing “deaf/disability sensitivity” training, we call for resources to be redirected to support deaf/disabled communities directly and for our community members to stop participating in + endorsing such trainings.
Join us: #StopASLCopaganda
The true function of “deaf sensitivity” training programs + community initiatives is to make police appear “better”. In reality, these programs have very little impact on reducing violence, all while spending money that could be invested into resources for our communities.
#StopASLCopaganda
The fact remains that, in an interaction where police have the power to arrest, injure, or kill with impunity in addition to the ability to control the narrative – no amount of language access can neutralize this dangerous power dynamic. A signing cop is still a cop.
#StopASLCopaganda
“Copaganda” leads to a dangerous sense of safety with police. When deaf/disabled signers encounter a signing police officer, they may feel a false sense of trust due to shared language. It often discourages them from requesting the accommodations needed to preserve their rights.
#StopASLCopaganda
"We are in an era of unprecedented investment in policing, including police training. Increased training does not change police behavior or stop police violence, including police violence against disabled communities."
- Excerpt from HEARD's recent statement
#StopASLCopaganda
#DisabilitySolidarity
ID: Black background with the text in white, “Signing Cops Will Not Save Us, Community Power Will.” There is a purple divider in the center. Underneath is the text in thin white font, “Community Statement on Police Department ASL Initiatives and Deaf “Sensitivity” Trainings”. HEARD logo in white is on the centered at the bottom.
Just Released: “Signing Cops Will Not Save Us, Community Power Will: Community Statement on Police Department ASL Initiatives and Deaf 'Sensitivity' Trainings”.
ASL: bit.ly/stop-ASL-copaganda
English: bit.ly/stop-asl-copaganda-eng
Spanish: bit.ly/basta-asl-copaganda
#StopASLCopaganda
