Deaf News Briefs: Novotny is CSDF Supt; Caleb Chappetta parents sue BRPD
Here are two Deaf News briefs.
Amy Novotny is CSD Fremont’s first Deaf Woman Superintendent
The first is that the California School for the Deaf, Fremont announced that Amy Novotny was inaugurated as the 13th and the first Deaf Woman Superintendent of the school in its 164 years of history. Her first day was February 1st. The school explained that Novotny recently worked at CSDF as a high school principal and a curriculum/outreach supervisor and prior to that, was the executive director of the Rocky Mountain Deaf School in Denver.
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988 Helpline (Description)
Exciting News! The 988 Lifeline launched new American Sign Language services for callers who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing. It’s a new resource for people to access help when they need it. Visit 988lifeline.org and select “ASL Now.”
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Caleb Chappetta’s parents file lawsuits against Baton Rouge police officer
The second Deaf News brief is an update on the tragic crash in Baton Rouge, Louisiana that killed a 38-year-old Deaf man, Caleb Chappetta in October 2023. Caleb was in a car that was stopped at an intersection when he was hit from behind by a police officer who was going around 79 mph in a 40 mph zone. The officer, Charmaine Buckley, ran a traffic light while rushing to respond to a call about a shooting. The officer was arrested and charged with negligent homicide and two other related charges.
Local news reported earlier in January that Caleb’s father filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Baton Rouge, the former police chief and Officer Buckley alleging violation of Caleb’s constitutional rights. There was also a state court wrongful death claim. Last week, a second federal lawsuit was filed from Caleb’s mother against the city of Baton Rouge, the former police chief, and Officer Buckley for wrongful death claims.
There was a memorial service for Caleb in October. He attended the Louisiana School for the Deaf and graduated from Slidell High School. He worked at Glaz Tech in Baton Rouge when he passed away.
CSD Fremont:
https://www.facebook.com/CSDTHAT/videos/746807764000503/
Caleb Chappetta:
https://www.wafb.com/2024/01/31/i-team-second-lawsuit-filed-deaf-bystanders-death/