Gallaudet University Announces Institutional Position on Gene Editing, Gene Therapy; Affirms Deaf Lives Essential to Humanity, Champions a Future Shaped by Deaf People

Developed by Gallaudet University Think Tank, Position Addresses Defining Question in Era of Scientific Advancement: Who Gets to Decide Our Future?

WASHINGTON, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gallaudet University, the leading university in the world for Deaf and hard of hearing students, announced today its institutional position statement on gene editing, gene therapy and human diversity.

Gallaudet University's Position Statement on Gene Editing, Gene Therapy and Human Diversity affirms its longstanding commitment to two foundational beliefs: that Deaf lives are a valuable and essential part of humanity and that Deaf people must shape and lead decisions about their future. Gallaudet's position also calls for responsible science, addressing a fundamental question of agency and autonomy: Who gets to decide our future?

The position statement was developed by the Gallaudet University Gene Editing Think Tank, which comprises leading Deaf scholars and experts in genetics, biology, philosophy, history, eugenics, research, policy and communications.

Here is the university's full position statement and following are statement excerpts:

• Gallaudet University believes that Deaf people are an essential part of human diversity and bring unique value to society. Our signed languages, cultures, knowledge and ways of seeing the world benefit everyone. Deaf lives are not deficits to be corrected.
• Gene editing and gene therapy may make it possible to change traits associated with being deaf. These technologies may bring important medical benefits. They also raise an important question: Who gets to decide?
• Decisions about the future of Deaf people must be shaped and led by Deaf people. Deaf scientists, ethicists, scholars and educators, along with families and communities, must be at the center of these conversations and help lead them.
• In a world where technology can increasingly change human biology, Gallaudet will champion a fundamental truth: Deaf lives are an essential part of humanity. We envision a future shaped with Deaf people, not for them, where scientific discovery and human dignity advance together, where individual choice is respected, and where human diversity is understood not as an obstacle to progress, but as part of what makes progress worth pursuing.

"Being Deaf is a unique way of being that makes our world a better place," said Roberta J. Cordano, president of Gallaudet University. "While Gallaudet recognizes the significant potential of these emerging sciences, the value of a Deaf life is not conditional on whether a technology exists to change it, nor can progress be claimed without the people whose very lives it seeks to change. Gallaudet's ongoing work in this area is critically important not only for the future of our Deaf communities but for our world too."

Gallaudet University recognizes that there is a range of views on gene editing and gene therapy. Its position is not a statement against gene editing and gene therapy but rather a pointed call for Deaf families and communities, along with Deaf scientists, ethicists, scholars and educators, to be at the center of these conversations. It also affirms the right of Deaf families and Deaf individuals, regardless of their views, to know all their options and make informed choices.

Gallaudet University's position identifies four priority commitments:

• Leading national and global conversations about gene editing, gene therapy and human diversity
• Advancing knowledge through research, education and public engagement
• Ensuring Deaf leadership in decisions that affect Deaf lives
• Continuing to uphold the value of human diversity, particularly Deaf people, signed languages, cultures and knowledge

"During the early 20th-century eugenics movement, and long before, efforts to fix, cure, correct and eliminate people who are deaf have been made by those who lack our lived experience," said Brian H. Greenwald, Professor of History at Gallaudet University. "Scientific research has and will always seek resolutions to what is seen as atypical. Deaf people are not a problem to be solved. Despite this, the question is not whether this science will advance, but whether Deaf people have any say in it."

Washington, D.C.-based Gallaudet University is a global hub of Deaf-led research and innovation, including in artificial intelligence; accessible technology; linguistics; biology and neuroscience. Since its founding in 1864, Gallaudet has been a global beacon for Deaf and hard of hearing communities. The historic 1988 student-led Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet and its enduring "nothing about us without us" message remain a defining moment for Deaf representation and leadership.

Gallaudet University Gene Editing Think Tank

The Gallaudet Think Tank brings Deaf perspectives, scholarship and lived experiences to global conversations and reflects the university's ongoing commitment to proactive, interdisciplinary leadership as scientific developments accelerate.

The Think Tank members are Teresa Blankmeyer Burke, Professor of Philosophy; Derek Braun, '95, Professor of Biology; Jeremy L. Brunson, Executive Director, Belonging and Engagement; Ryan Commerson, G-'08, Cultural Theorist and Strategist; Brian H. Greenwald, '96, Professor of History; Poorna Kushalnagar, '93, Strategic Research Officer; Kim Bianco Majeri, Government Affairs Manager; Brandi Rarus, Chief Communications and Admissions Officer; and Khadijat Rashid, '90, Provost.

Gallaudet's announcement follows recent scientific and biotechnology developments. In April 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the first gene therapy for a rare hereditary form of deafness targeting changes in the OTOF gene, which are found in approximately 50 newborns in the United States annually. More recently, in August 2026, the first child was treated in a clinical trial for GJB2, also known as Connexin 26, the most common genetic cause of deafness in North America and Europe.

For more information and updates on Gallaudet University's ongoing work please visit The Future of Gene Editing website.

About Gallaudet University

Gallaudet University, federally chartered in 1864, is a bilingual, diverse, multicultural institution of higher education that ensures the intellectual and professional advancement of Deaf, hard of hearing and Deafblind individuals through American Sign Language and English. 

SOURCE Gallaudet University