The elephant in the NAD Conference
The elephant in the NAD Conference
Transcript: Do you know the expression, “elephant in the room?” It means that there is a big, controversial topic or a problem that everyone knows about but does not talk about it.
Here at the NAD Conference, the elephant that is “not” in the room is the former CEO Howard Rosenblum, who parted ways with the NAD in April after the Super Bowl ASL access controversy.
I’ve been here since the beginning of the conference this week and I have not seen Howard in person nor his name mentioned during official NAD functions. There also has been almost zero official discussion, from as far as I’ve seen, of concerns about potential conflicts of interest with the NAD partnering with Alexis Kashar of Love Sign.
Why is that? I’ve asked some NAD officials about it, but they are not able to provide much information.
However, I do have information from sources familiar with this situation that I will share. Here are three things, in no particular order.
- There is a separation agreement between Howard and the NAD that has some type of a very strict non-disparagement clause. This means the NAD is not able to make any type of negative statement about Howard and his actions as NAD CEO, including things related to the Super Bowl. If this clause is violated, the NAD could be sued by Howard and/or face financial penalties. This means that if the NAD Board found any potential misconduct, they cannot share or say it at all with the public. So Howard does have power and leverage over whatever the NAD shares with the public.
- The NAD’s internal investigation found that the NAD spent a substantial amount of money on bringing its CEO and Alexis and others to Super Bowls, but did not reap financial benefits from Alexis and her business, Love Sign. During the Super Bowl weekend, Love Sign was able to get valuable exposure to its business, but did not reciprocate that to the NAD, as far as I know. So basically the NAD may have done a lot for a third party (Love Sign) that has no kind of obligation to the Deaf community or NAD members.
- Alexis Kashar has a strong relationship with the NFL and the NAD has allowed Alexis to control the Super Bowl ASL access on behalf of NAD. This was done without the involvement of the NAD Board or staff. This area was under Howard’s direct control and he had a lot of power as the CEO. If the NAD Board made any type of recommendation about the Super Bowl ASL access that was not what Howard and Alexis wanted, it would be ignored because Alexis had the final say. I previously reported that Alexis, who is an attorney, often uses NDAs (nondisclosure agreements) in her work with the NAD, NFL, and Super Bowl performers. So that’s another layer of control that is given to Alexis on the NAD’s name, time, and money.
That’s the three things: the non-disparagement clause, the money spent on Super Bowl, and Alexis controlling the NAD-NFL relationship. That’s the elephant in the room. Nobody is talking about it during official business.
One thing I did take away from some conversations here is that the NAD has already implemented various policies and is trying to change how it’s handles things with the Super Bowl. The NAD previously said it would set up a committee to work on its relationship with the NFL and establish procedures on selecting Deaf performers.
But what is unknown is whether Howard and Alexis are trying to maintain their relationship with the NFL to provide ASL access and doing it without the NAD’s support. The NAD could just step back completely from the NFL. I’ve reached out to Howard for comment but have not received a response.
Another thing I took away is that some NAD officials and members are tired of the Super Bowl controversy because they feel that the NFL is just one very small thing out of all that the NAD is doing on a daily basis to fight for the rights of Deaf people.
I’m sympathetic to that but in doing this report I’m following up on what was a huge Deaf community concern that did get the attention of at least one member of Congress.
I definitely see that the NAD is doing hard and thankless work. It definitely has a huge place in the Deaf community and is able to bring so many influential people in one place. But there’s still an elephant in the room. Time will tell what happens to the elephant.
[Sponsored video from Convo: www.convorelay.com]
Пікірлер: 46
Wow Howard has NAD on a very short leash. It shows that HE knew what he was doing. Tsk tsk shame on him.
@theactorshowdeaf1226
18 күн бұрын
I am agree with you.
@j.l.5935
18 күн бұрын
Howard is cowardly and very ego, NAD is blind/afraid of him, nothing to do with him for years as good/bad service...🤬
@bonniesandy9512
18 күн бұрын
And Alexia, the ILY Jewelry owner, too.
@j.l.5935
18 күн бұрын
@@bonniesandy9512 She betray the deaf community 🤬
@theactorshowdeaf1226
18 күн бұрын
@@j.l.5935 I am mad and angry too I need to stop both CEO and Alexia lie. I don’t understand.
Transcript: Do you know the expression, “elephant in the room?” It means that there is a big, controversial topic or a problem that everyone knows about but does not talk about it. Here at the NAD Conference, the elephant that is “not” in the room is the former CEO Howard Rosenblum, who parted ways with the NAD in April after the Super Bowl ASL access controversy. I’ve been here since the beginning of the conference this week and I have not seen Howard in person nor his name mentioned during official NAD functions. There also has been almost zero official discussion, from as far as I’ve seen, of concerns about potential conflicts of interest with the NAD partnering with Alexis Kashar of Love Sign. Why is that? I’ve asked some NAD officials about it, but they are not able to provide much information. However, I do have information from sources familiar with this situation that I will share. Here are three things, in no particular order. - There is a separation agreement between Howard and the NAD that has some type of a very strict non-disparagement clause. This means the NAD is not able to make any type of negative statement about Howard and his actions as NAD CEO, including things related to the Super Bowl. If this clause is violated, the NAD could be sued by Howard and/or face financial penalties. This means that if the NAD Board found any potential misconduct, they cannot share or say it at all with the public. So Howard does have power and leverage over whatever the NAD shares with the public. - The NAD’s internal investigation found that the NAD spent a substantial amount of money on bringing its CEO and Alexis and others to Super Bowls, but did not reap financial benefits from Alexis and her business, Love Sign. During the Super Bowl weekend, Love Sign was able to get valuable exposure to its business, but did not reciprocate that to the NAD, as far as I know. So basically the NAD may have done a lot for a third party (Love Sign) that has no kind of obligation to the Deaf community or NAD members. - Alexis Kashar has a strong relationship with the NFL and the NAD has allowed Alexis to control the Super Bowl ASL access on behalf of NAD. This was done without the involvement of the NAD Board or staff. This area was under Howard’s direct control and he had a lot of power as the CEO. If the NAD Board made any type of recommendation about the Super Bowl ASL access that was not what Howard and Alexis wanted, it would be ignored because Alexis had the final say. I previously reported that Alexis, who is an attorney, often uses NDAs (nondisclosure agreements) in her work with the NAD, NFL, and Super Bowl performers. So that’s another layer of control that is given to Alexis on the NAD’s name, time, and money. That’s the three things: the non-disparagement clause, the money spent on Super Bowl, and Alexis controlling the NAD-NFL relationship. That’s the elephant in the room. Nobody is talking about it during official business. One thing I did take away from some conversations here is that the NAD has already implemented various policies and is trying to change how it’s handles things with the Super Bowl. The NAD previously said it would set up a committee to work on its relationship with the NFL and establish procedures on selecting Deaf performers. But what is unknown is whether Howard and Alexis are trying to maintain their relationship with the NFL to provide ASL access and doing it without the NAD’s support. The NAD could just step back completely from the NFL. I’ve reached out to Howard for comment but have not received a response. Another thing I took away is that some NAD officials and members are tired of the Super Bowl controversy because they feel that the NFL is just one very small thing out of all that the NAD is doing on a daily basis to fight for the rights of Deaf people. I’m sympathetic to that but in doing this report I’m following up on what was a huge Deaf community concern that did get the attention of at least one member of Congress. I definitely see that the NAD is doing hard and thankless work. It definitely has a huge place in the Deaf community and is able to bring so many influential people in one place. But there’s still an elephant in the room. Time will tell what happens to the elephant. [Sponsored video from Convo: www.convorelay.com]
Alex, thanks for the news. I don't understand why it have NAD then tired of it for something, it makes no sense, what are they doing for years, Huh!!!
Hey deaf community. Did you know deaf inmates in Louisiana got life sentences since something 1974 and he still alive and still at Angola, Louisiana. He still not get out of prison. He may will die in prison will be first deaf inmates die. He still in jail for around 44 years. Will hurt deaf community. Because NAD don’t work or help him to get out. Also NAD don’t work with HEARD. IT SAD I SEE!!!
@j.l.5935
18 күн бұрын
What about the ADA Attorney? Ignore NAD, not always good service, lazy...
Alex thanks for the update info on NAD it is ashamed that Howard the coward and Alexis put control on deaf communities deaf business entrepreneurs on I Love You which been stolen and infringe and disrespect to other deaf businesses as well hope God watching them!
@j.l.5935
18 күн бұрын
If I were there, report to the Police against Alexis & Howard for not being honest & not helping deaf community.
@shawnelfrink4746
18 күн бұрын
@@j.l.5935yeah maybe the Elite non-NAD members will have to hire Criminal attorney to have to sue criminal charges against them?
My goodness: NAD started in August 25,1880 in Ohio, Whoo for a long long time! 😭
Howard and Alexia, the Deaf Elitists?
@lesliegreer5527
18 күн бұрын
Sucks!
@123456723300
18 күн бұрын
Yes , that's them. They are NOT a good people. 🙄
@123456723300
18 күн бұрын
Suck to be them!
@123456723300
18 күн бұрын
SUCK!!!!!!!!
@123456723300
18 күн бұрын
they are wickers!
Alex Thank you for your excellent reporting on the situation. Howard was a good leader who led us to several victories in the legal arena. It is unfortunate the Super Bowl debacle had an impact on his legacy. I hope with time it gets resolved and forgiven.
Thanks so much for sharing 😊
I love your opinions about NAD
Hello, Please put subtitle. Thank you.
I wish I had access to work with better communication between two worlds, deaf vs hearing utilizing sign language and understanding so we can come to be friends all over worlds. I wish I was there for I will be asking questions and resolutions. 🤟 Laura McBride NTID SVP 76.
Wow!!! Howard sure is sneaky guy!!! Now did NAD vote new CEO?
Great job Alex for story
Will NAD work with NFL Super Bowls future?
@j.l.5935
18 күн бұрын
I don't think so but wait what World deaf organization tries to help NAD or not? Think NAD for many years but did nothing, it's not for NAD , it's for deaf community.
NAD doesn’t work with NFL & Superbowls. Only NAD is the Civil Rights Organization for The Deaf that was founded on August 25 1880 as the oldest civil rights organization for the Deaf in USA. Then NAD works for fighting for civil rights for the Deaf by improving lives in our deaf communities across our country for years.- In a fact I am the lifetime NAD member but not the NFL- Super Bowl fan.- Strongly I defend NAD at honestly as I support NAD as the civil rights organization for the Deaf fighting for fairness, equal rights for the Deaf in access and other deaf- related issues.- NFL and Super Bowls are the real foolhardy ones on the TV shows.- I focus on civil rights for the Deaf and for citizens with other disabilities, sciences, mathematics, medicine, and many other interested issues only.
🤫
NFL - SB -> not important. not accessible. not worth effort, time, money.
What are you talking about is nothing good news
Why even praise NAD at the end? It's a old boys club, and I still don't appreciate the fact that NAD supporter Mavrick during his murder trial, when he was obviously guilty. And they ignored Ricardo Harris' pleas for help to prove his innocence? It's obviously racism on NAD's behalf. I have zero respect for NAD. They should have sued Howard and Alexis instead of agreeing to their terms. Screw them!
@j.l.5935
18 күн бұрын
Shoves to Howard & Alexis, try ADA Attorney! Very sorry for Ricardo 🙏
@mikewolf6012
17 күн бұрын
get over it about mav, u sicko, more sicko than him
@kyabupaksstudios9891
17 күн бұрын
@@mikewolf6012 your comment makes no sense at all. How am I a sicko? He's the cold blooded murderer, not me. He even admitted to it after his trial was over. Are you stupid or what?
Yes deal is force nad shut up and nothing
Why delete my comments???????????????? Mofo
@pmumina1
16 күн бұрын
maybe its robot or AI delete your comment due related to inappropriate words
Hope things will smooth out and work together as a team. Forgive each other. In the deaf community is hard as each has some negative impact on everyone. That needs change. We all want to look good for the public. Its always cost us.