American Sign Language Resolution

September 29, 2011 – revised October 25, 2011

UGS0105

Whereas, the State of Delaware passed in Spring 2010 House Bill 345 allowing American Sign Language (ASL) to fulfill the high school foreign language requirement in Delaware public schools; and

Whereas, the Linguistic Society of America affirms that sign languages used by deaf communities are full-fledged languages with all the structural characteristics and range of expression of spoken languages; and

Whereas, our University’s strategic plan affirms the principle that "The University of Delaware will foster a robust educational environment in which all people are welcome and feel welcome—one that supports critical thinking, free inquiry, and respect for diverse views and values;" and

Whereas, the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages passed a motion urging that educational institutions recognize ASL as a legitimate fulfillment of a language requirement; and

Whereas, the UD Path to Prominence states that "Our global initiative will embrace the diverse regions and people of the greater United States as well as countries and cultures around the world;" be it therefore,

Resolved, that the University of Delaware accepts American Sign Language as a language for admission to the university.