As the debate over the Guam Department of Education's governance continues, advocates say true reform must go beyond who holds power—and focus on whether the system is actually working for every student it serves. During a passionate and candid community roundtable Wednesday night on the future governance of GovGuam's largest agency, residents spoke frankly about representation, accountability, and access.
But even as the discussion called for inclusivity, some voices were left out—including those of the deaf and hard of hearing community—prompting advocates to speak up in real time.
Deaf and disability advocates Kirsten Rosario and Kevin Lizama Reyes bringing the issue to the forefront, calling attention to what they say are ongoing failures in access and compliance. “Sign language, which is not considered a language–even tonight, when I’m watching this online, I see the sign language interpreter on the screen. We have violated so many things," they said.
Lizama Reyes also weighing in on one of the roundtable’s central questions—suggesting a shared role between the Guam Legislature and the governor to appoint members of the Guam Education Board. But he says the deeper issue is a lack of representation and follow-through.
“There is no representation at all coming from the board, coming from the legislature on the board," said the disability advocate.
Reyes pointing to a 2018 investigation by the National Deaf Center into GDOE—a report he describes as “damning.” Following a recent visit, he says conditions for deaf and disabled students have still not improved. That frustration leading him to question the core of the night’s discussion: what does governance structure matter, if compliance and access remain unaddressed?
Lizama Reyes added, “I’m the only person standing up for people with disabilities–especially the deaf community—, and I’m wondering–who’s going to help me?! Are you going to help me? Is the board helping me? No. Like somebody said, they’re pointing fingers, and they’re arguing. I did go to the board. I asked for help. Who’s helping me?”
“I put together so many documents, boxes of documents, highlighting everything that is going wrong with GDOE for disabled students. Did you know back in 202,2 the legislature repealed—repealed the opportunity to have a deaf and blind school. I have a copy of the repeal.”
In the meantime, Lizama Reyes also highlighting the ongoing lack of sign language interpreters within the department—a gap he says underscores a broader failure to prioritize the needs of students.