In a world where intersectionality and identities should be a resource for shared empathy and understanding, it’s disheartening to note that privilege, especially that associated with race, can still eclipse the bond formed by shared marginalization. A recent event held at Gallaudet University, a historic university for deaf and hard-of-hearing students in Washington, D.C., starkly illustrates this unfortunate reality while also serving as a much-needed step towards acknowledgment, healing, and inclusivity.

Gallaudet University recently hosted a poignant graduation ceremony honoring 24 Black deaf students and four Black teachers, all forced to attend segregated schools on their campus in the early 1950s. In an official apology, the University acknowledged and expressed deep regret for “perpetuating the historic inequity” and “systemic marginalization” against these individuals. Although long overdue, this act of contrition and recognition forms an important part of the healing process, making it clear that creating an inclusive environment starts with acknowledging past wrongs.

In a stark display of the persistent bias and prejudice faced by Black deaf students, the Kendall School at Gallaudet University, which initially educated Black students starting in 1898, segregated these students to other schools following complaints by White parents in 1905. This decision, fueled by racial bias, essentially erased the presence of Black students at the Kendall School, highlighting how whiteness, even when intersected with another marginalized identity such as deafness, can obstruct the path to equality and inclusivity.

Despite the shared challenges faced by the White and Black deaf communities, the privilege of whiteness undermined the shared struggle, leading to an environment that further marginalized Black deaf students. This event underscores the fact that the bias and prejudice held by Whites often act as a barrier to achieving civil environments, even when they share intersectionalities with marginalized groups.

The story of Louise B. Miller, a mother who fought for the right of her Black deaf son and others to attend Kendall School, illustrates the tenacity needed to battle these prejudices. Even after Miller’s successful lawsuit, instead of integrating Black deaf students into the Kendall School, Gallaudet built a segregated school with fewer resources. It was only after the historic Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Supreme Court decision in 1954 that integration was finally achieved.

Today, to recognize Miller’s efforts, the University plans to honor her with “Louise B. Miller Pathways and Gardens: A Legacy to Black Deaf Children,” a memorial space for reflection, healing, and remembrance. This action, along with the acknowledgment of the wrongs done to the Black deaf community, signifies the start of a much-needed journey toward inclusivity and belonging.

It’s crucial to note that recognizing and apologizing for past injustices does not erase them. Still, they are vital in acknowledging the bias and prejudice that once dictated policies. Moving forward, institutions such as Gallaudet University must strive to maintain an atmosphere of inclusivity, ensuring that intersectional identities are honored and celebrated, not exploited to preserve the privilege of some at the expense of others.

This event highlights the importance of dismantling systems of privilege, acknowledging past inequities, and striving for inclusivity in all aspects of society. It’s a stark reminder that every identity – racial, physical, or otherwise – carries its own challenges, which should lead to understanding and empathy rather than further marginalization.

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