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

Knowing a different language is great. However, sometimes we learn them because we want to, and sometimes because we don’t really have a choice.

The OP of this story belongs to the latter group. Both of her parents are deaf, so she learned sign language to communicate with them.

She often interpreted for them during parent-teacher meetings, and her school principal noticed that. The faculty came up with the idea to utilize her knowledge and make her the sign language interpreter for school events, as they have around 20 students with hearing disabilities.

They neglected the fact that she is a shy teen who doesn’t want to stand in front of large crowds and that sign language interpretation is really hard work that needs to be done by a professional. If you know a foreign language and have ever tried to interpret it for someone, you know that speaking a language and real-time interpreting are not the same.

The OP refused but was later confronted by a special education teacher who called her immature and selfish. In response, the OP expressed her feelings, and she may have been a bit harsh.

So now she is asking the Internet to pass judgment.

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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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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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.