Andy Cruz (orange shirt) rallies in front of the White House to support deaf members of the U.S. Military. (Photo: gallaudetathletics.com)
The following article was published by Gallaudet University. Andy Cruz, Class of 2013 is now a member of the Gallaudet University Varsity Basketball team. The team recently rallied for a bill to support the deaf and hard-of-hearing members of the U.S. Military. The full article can be found by clicking here.
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WASHINGTON – Members of the Gallaudet University men’s basketball program attended a non-partisan rally in support of deaf persons serving in the U.S. Military last month out in front of the White House and U.S. Capitol.
These proposed pieces of legislation will provide an opportunity for deaf and hard of hearing Americans to serve in the military following three of our government’s core policies for people with disabilities: to grow employment, cultural diversity, and technology.
The demonstration program will allow the Department of Defense to explore and discover potential benefits that may be attributed to having deaf and hard of hearing active personnel serving within the ranks.
GU men’s basketball student-athletes made and held signs during the rally.
“This was a special opportunity for our players to advocate for civic responsibility, for us to be allowed to serve the country we love, and to witness the political process firsthand,” said Gallaudet head coach Brendan Stern.