[NABS-L] No More NABS 2020 Election Talk on This List Serve

[JASON ALAMILLO]

First off, number one. Your subject line is uncalled for. If I’m correct, you and I as well as the rest of us are paying members of this division as well as the national organization. Therefore, it is not up to you whether we discuss a particular issue or not, it’s up to us. Also, it is unfortunate that you think this is political banter when it is just a discussion of the mismanagement of the elections by the board. We did not disrespect anyone, we exposed lies, we called out leadership, and more important than all of that, we had a dialogue on how we feel as a division. Yes, it was about the errors of the leadership of the division, and that’s why there are people trying to silence us. We could absolutely go and talk to the leadership of the division, but we will be shut down, as Trisha the new president said, the decisions of the past are final. So why go and talk to her or any of the board about it. Especially when some of the leaders in the division now were there when this error was committed. The national office will take the same stance.

This chaos you are talking about is a debate, it’s a dialogue. Just because you don’t like the fact that people are being called out, just because members are expressing themselves, doesn’t mean it’s chaos. Especially when the code of conduct was not and has never been violated through this conversation. We do want progress, we do. We will absolutely do what it takes to get progress and help the board out where it is needed, but they have to be more transparent, and they will have a real issue on their hands if they are not.

So yes, we do want to get on to working on what students need, but don’t be coming on here to silence us, let us express ourselves as we wish as long as we are constructive and respectful. That’s called free speech.

> On Jul 19, 2020, at 3:21 PM, Syed Rizvi via NABS-L <nabs-l at nfbnet.org> wrote:
> 
> Dear Students,
> 
> 
> 
> The conduct of our membership that I have witnessed over the last few days
> has saddened me greatly. Every single person who has brought up concerns
> regarding the election invalidates their own position through their wildly
> inappropriate adoption of slander, disrespect, and a hyper aggressive
> nature. We are all adults here, participating in a professional
> organization, all working towards a common goal. If anyone has any
> concerns, they would like addressed, there is a mature, respectful, and
> professional way to raise these concerns. The purpose of this email list
> serves, and our social media outlets is not for political banter, rather
> these platforms are meant for blind students to ask questions, access
> resources and to assist one another in our shared journeys.
> 
> 
> 
> If you genuinely believe that you and or the membership were wronged, then
> take the appropriate steps to address the wrongdoing. Until that time, stop
> misusing these platforms. Reach out to the current NABS board with your
> concerns. If you feel dissatisfied with their response to your concerns,
> then we have a robust national leadership dedicated to ensuring proper
> management of our organization. It is not enough to just talk the talk. One
> must walk the walk. If you are upset, then take the appropriate steps
> rather than continuing to create pointless chaos on our platforms.
> 
> 
> 
> I was hesitant in writing this email as I generally refrain from
> acknowledging inappropriate behavior, as that usually meets the goal of the
> transgressor of trying to gain the spotlight, but the misuse of these
> platforms can no longer continue.
> 
> 
> 
> Respectfully,
> 
>               Syed Rizvi
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