Security and Vetting: How White House Interpreters Impact Accessibility and Trust

Introduction

As recent events have highlighted, the choice and vetting process of interpreters for high-profile events such as White House press conferences are crucial not only for the smooth functioning of these events but also for maintaining public trust and ensuring security. The case of ASL interpreter Heather Mewshaw, who was no longer at White House press conferences after revealing her involvement in conspiracy theory videos, underscores the critical nature of these considerations.

Heather Mewshaw and the Recent Crisis

Heather Mewshaw, an ASL interpreter, was a regular face at White House press conferences until her involvement in videos promoting conspiracy theories was revealed. This incident raises several important questions regarding the vetting process for interpreters in such high-profile settings. The issue extends beyond mere conflict of interest; it touches on broader security concerns, given the history of similar incidents.

The Importance of a Thorough Vetting Process

The vetting process for White House interpreters should be comprehensive and stringent. This includes:

Fluency and Interpreter Training: Ensuring that the interpreter has a high level of fluency and has undergone specialized training in sign language interpretation. Certification: The interpreter should hold appropriate certifications, demonstrating their professional qualifications. Educational Background: A solid educational background in the field of interpretation or a related discipline is crucial. Security Clearance: The interpreter must pass a thorough background check to ensure they do not pose a security risk. Conflict of Interest Screening: A robust screening process should be in place to detect any potential conflicts of interest or the appearance of such conflicts.

The risk of not implementing these measures can lead to significant negative consequences, including publicly embarrassing and compromising incidents, as well as potential security breaches.

The Broader Implications for Interpreters

The issue of proper vetting for White House interpreters is not isolated to the executive branch. It is a concern that extends to all agencies and institutions. Historical examples, such as the infamous case of the "fake South African interpreter" Thamsanqa Jantjie, highlight the critical importance of thorough vetting.

In 2013, Jantjie was found to be unqualified, untrained, and suffering from mental illness—despite being employed by the South African government. The failure to properly vet him led to severe consequences, including a loss of trust among Deaf consumers and potential risks to their safety.

Too often, interpreters enter the field with little more than self-declared fluency, resulting in significant negative impacts on Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers. Proper vetting ensures that interpreters are qualified, reliable, and trustworthy, thereby safeguarding the rights and needs of these consumers.

Human Factors and the Role of Multiple Interpreters

Even with strict vetting, there is still the human factor to consider. In high-stakes situations like White House press conferences, having a second interpreter significantly enhances the reliability and accuracy of the interpreting service.

A second interpreter serves as a check and balance, ensuring that no information is lost or misinterpreted. In addition, having an alert standby interpreter can prevent issues such as:

Playlist Knowledge: A common word or phrase may be more familiar to the standby interpreter. Foreign Language Interpretation: A term or phrase in a foreign language may be better known to the standby interpreter. Ethical Compliance: Ensuring compliance with ethical guidelines and professional standards.

Moreover, a second interpreter can serve as a backup in case the primary interpreter is found to be incompetent or does not follow established guidelines. This is particularly relevant in situations where high levels of accuracy are imperative, such as medical or legal contexts.

Conclusion

The case of Heather Mewshaw at the White House underscores the critical need for a thorough and stringent vetting process for interpreters. This process must include fluency, certification, education, security clearance, and conflict of interest screening. Furthermore, institutions should consider hiring multiple interpreters for high-stakes events to ensure reliability and accuracy.

Proper vetting not only protects Deaf and Hard of Hearing consumers but also ensures that the general public trusts the integrity and professionalism of the interpreting service. By prioritizing these checks, we can maintain the highest standards of accessibility and transparency in communication.