OK, getting some clarity here. Under Biden, some agencies reorganized such that interpreters and accommodations divisions were placed under DEI departments, so those folks were automatically laid off. Others who remained separate divisions weren't. 1/ - ThreadSky

novicsara.bsky.social • 28 days ago

OK, getting some clarity here. Under Biden, some agencies reorganized such that interpreters and accommodations divisions were placed under DEI departments, so those folks were automatically laid off. Others who remained separate divisions weren't. 1/

Reposted from Sara Nović

Getting some reports that ASL interpreters are being fired across federal agencies. Not sure to the extent yet. Obviously in violation of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. But with the DOJ Civil Rights Division frozen and general law-breaking plentiful, unsure of recourse rn.

Comments

novicsara.bsky.social•28 days ago

Given how removal of interpreters is super illegal, departments are being told to reverse course on this. Apparently some agencies are complying with the reversal and others not. 2/3

novicsara.bsky.social•28 days ago

Important to note that most interpreters are independent contractors, though, not federal employees, so this is going to be the biggest question mark. To what extent will their contracts be changed removed, not renewed etc (if any). All things to keep an eye on. 3/3

novicsara.bsky.social•28 days ago

The above is from a source with inside knowledge. My personal addition: right now we should view every toe dipped into anything as them testing waters to see what they can get away with. Not to freak out or fear-monger, just... eyes open.

keithqq.bsky.social•28 days ago

100% agree. They are checking for boundaries, so very, very important to show them boundaries.

citizenesskane.bsky.social•28 days ago

Former interpreter here (not ASL but worked with them, I did Spanish & French), & can vouch for most of my colleagues being independent contractors. Very few interpreters (of any language) in my experience are career civil servants.

betsy-cazden.bsky.social•28 days ago

It's fair to assume that all contracts will be broken and not renewed. It's going to be up to those requiring/entitled to services to sue to ensure the services continue.

novicsara.bsky.social•28 days ago

Plus, many deaf federal employees were likely caught up in the "anti-DEI" layoffs, too, so fewer interpreting services needed 😕

guodori.bsky.social•28 days ago

My colleagues, staff interpreters who arrange services for Deaf federal employees, were forced on leave with me. Deaf employees are now left wondering when they’ll get interpreters.

betsy-cazden.bsky.social•28 days ago

"Super illegal" is no barrier to the current regime, unfortunately. I hope someone is ready to file lawsuits that *may* force agencies to comply with the law. Otherwise, the people doing the sledge-hammering don't know and don't care what some (stupid) (woke) law says.