Upon reading the article titled, “Deaf student denied interpreter by campus office” in Thursday’s Kentucky Kernel, I am disappointed in my university. To deny Jena Richards’ request for an interpreter to compete on our equestrian team is outrageous and blatantly discriminatory.

In a mass e-mail sent to all UK students concerning diversity, Dr. Todd stated, “We work very hard, every day, to build bridges across the divides. Diversity and inclusion are among our most precious core values.” Acts of discrimination have occurred on our campus, great and small, this semester. Why are we allowing it to happen again? Why are we denying a hardworking UK student her lawful right to an interpreter because of a disability she cannot help?

Our Disability Resources Center should be advocating Richards’ rights as a person with a disability, not denying them. I would not expect Rich Brooks, Billy Gillispie or Craig Skinner to communicate with a deaf team member via “a dry erase board or hand gestures.” Why is it acceptable for Michelle Zimmer, the equestrian team coach, to do so?

As a special education major, I understand that Section 504 of the Americans with Disabilities Act is clear when it states that social and recreational programs of an institution may not discriminate based on a person’s disability. If diversity and inclusion are truly among UK’s core values, then we have a long way to go.

There should be immediate action to grant Richards’ right to an interpreter. Not only is it lawful to grant her this right, it is also what we should do as human beings. I appreciate the Kernel’s willingness to print this article and bring this sad situation to light. I certainly hope that UK will take note of this injustice and act quickly, or else we cannot truly call ourselves an equal opportunity institution.

Seth Brashear

Special education junior