Teen Girl Refuses To Be Her School's Sign Language Interpreter, And Now She Wonders If She Acted Selfishly

Some students learn sign language at home, and for one teen, it became part of everyday life because both of her parents are deaf.

That background made her the go-to person for parent-teacher meetings, but her school saw something bigger in it and wanted her to interpret at school events for about 20 students with hearing disabilities. The problem was that she was shy, uncomfortable speaking in front of crowds, and not interested in being treated like a free professional interpreter.

When she said no, the pushback got personal, and now she is wondering whether she handled it the wrong way.

OP shared her story:

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She speaks sign language because her parents are deaf. She translates for them at parent-teacher meetings. Her school has 20 students with hearing disabilities.

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OP was called to the principal's office.

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The principal and special education teacher wanted OP to be an interpreter at school events.

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That is where the pressure started to build.

OP didn't really like the idea because it is exhausting, and she doesn't want to be in front of so many people.

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The school principal was understanding, but the special education teacher wasn't.

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She was pushy.

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She accused OP of being selfish. It's a public school and can't afford a sign language interpreter.

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OP did not take that well.

This reminds us of the AITA mom who skipped her niece’s graduation and triggered a family blowup.

This annoyed OP, and her response may have been a bit harsh.

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She accused OP of being immature.

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And then she publicly stated that she was disappointed in OP. Very mature of her.

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OP isn't sure if she's right.

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To make a long story short:

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Redditors emphasized the fact that the school is expecting a teen to do hard work for free.

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Maybe the special education teacher should do the hard work and learn sign language.

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But many Redditors who understand the situation disagreed.

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Her only fault was that she had tried to pressure a teen student.

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Sign language is hard to learn.

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And knowing it doesn't make you an interpreter.

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One teacher confirmed.

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Two sign language interpreters are needed for each class.

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And OP is not a professional.

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The bottom line:

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What do you say? The audacity of that special education teacher...

Publicly accusing a sensitive teen girl of being selfish and immature and calling her out in front of her class and teachers. Very mature of her.

We can understand OP for not wanting to do this, and Redditors unanimously supported her. It is up to the school to find a solution, not to burden students who are already coping with homework and extracurricular activities.

She was not selfish for refusing, and the school should have known better.

Then see if you’d be “wrong” too in a friendship where someone refused to pet-sit after never helping back.