DR. JENNIFER HERBOLD: Hi! I’m Dr. Jennfier Herbold. I’m the superintendent at New Mexico School for the Deaf. I was asked about NBC’s usage of two words, “robbed of his hearing,” which was in reference to our student Santiago, who became deaf at the age of 10. Also the term, “handicap.” Yeah, I have several thoughts. In our school, Santigo and his parents have never used these terms. I saw the questions from the community. I have the same thoughts. It was a missed opportunity.

Really, there are two things when you think about words. Words have power when you give it power. So I’m focused on not giving these two words the power. Also, there’s the intent. Intent is important. What was the producer’s intent? I think the intent was not nefarious. They wanted to show that Deaf schools provide access, a place to be, and a space where they belong. It doesn’t matter if you were born deaf or became deaf later. A Deaf school has a critical role in a deaf child’s life. I think this should be the main focus.

As educators, as members of the Deaf community, deaf people in general, regardless of whatever group there are, we have to always keep on educating them. Teach them. We know as a community that those two terms do not reflect us. I’m very proud of how our student Santiago handled this. I’m very, very proud of him and I’m grateful to NBC, to our coaches, the other players, the entire NMSD team, the community here, for their amazing support. Thank you!

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DAILY MOTH NOTE: (Dr. Herbold gave responses regarding the NFL on NBC feature of the NMSD's 6-man football team and the language used in the broadcast. For more on this story and to see an interview with Santiago, please view: Link )