[NFBSATX] I need to address the chapter about a recent event

[wendy Walker]

I would like to talk about the elephant in the room. I know we talked
at length about it at our December meeting but I think it’s important
for all members to hear this.

As some of you may know, an incident in another state and how the NFB
handled it caused frustration and even outrage. So much so that some
former sexual assault victims, forgoing their privacy, have come
forward on social media in hope of making the NFB finally publicly
acknowledge this occurs. Believe me when I say I know from first-hand
experience how hard this was for those women, and their sacrifice was
not in vane as evidenced by the public letter of apology by the NFB.
This should have been done decades ago but it is a start and one I’m
glad to see. I have both friends and family members who are sexual
assault survivors, people I care about...people I love. A small
percentage occurred at NFB functions but even one is too many. I think
we sometimes forget that blind people can be predators just like
sighted people. It’s easy to be part of a lynch mob and it is hard to
get companies, organizations, and society to make positive changes
that matter. I strongly believe you have a better chance of making
fundamental change within an organization than from the outside and
that is why I’m still a member of the NFB. The good and decent people
far out-weigh those who are not. I want to assure you all that our
board feels as I do, meaning we will put the victim first and not the
NFB. If you are an assault victim you can come to any member of our
board in this chapter and we will do everything we can to get you the
help and support you need. This is an uncomfortable subject but I’m
hopeful that real progress will be made and I also realize it will not
happen overnight.

Stay safe and take care of each other.
Wendy Walker
Vice-President
San Antonio Chapter