Forward slash doesn't work when in terminal... works in every other application I'm trying to use terminal and in every tab I open, when I try to change directory such as       

   cd /


I get a beep and am unable to type the character.  I am on the same computer and am able to type a slash in this webpage, just not in that bash shell

I don't have any key-remapping software enabled.

How can I type a forward slash , or determine what is preventing me from typing it?

When I type "shift-/" I get a question mark, so I know the basic essence of the key is working.

Copying and pasting a "/" character results in a beep as well

When I connect an external bluetooth keyboard, the same results happen for both keyboards (on the laptop and on the keyboard)

Yes I rebooted.... many times
Let's try a few things.

First, make sure "Secure Keyboard Entry" under the Terminal menu does not have an arrow next to it.

Second, go to Terminal > Preferences > Settings > Keyboard and make sure that forward slash is not defined in the list. Under 'Advanced' make sure 'Declare terminal as:' is set to one of the xterm settings, preferably 'xterm-256'. In the same dialog make sure 'Character encoding:' is set to 'Unicode (UTF-8)'.

Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Shortcuts and make sure that '/' is not set to do anything in 'Services' and 'App Shortcuts'.

Now try it and see if you still have the same problem.