MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) - A group of students at the University of Wisconsin-Madison is fighting off recently proposed cuts to the school’s American Sign Language (ASL) program threatening the number of courses and an instructor position.

Changes in federal funding prompted a university-wide requirement in June asking departments to lower their budgets. However, students say the decision to cut ASL courses could “shatter” opportunities for others to learn the language.

Bella Ferak is a third-semester ASL student and creator of a petition looking to raise awareness and support for the program.

“This is not what students want,” Ferak said. “The decision that they’re making is not reflective of student interests.”

Student organizers say the cuts are coming at a time when more students th

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