Overview
This lecture reviews the events of the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement, which led to the appointment of Dr. I. King Jordan as Gallaudet University's first deaf president, highlighting its impact on the Deaf community and the university.
Background of Deaf President Now
- For 124 years, Gallaudet University had only hearing presidents.
- Deaf people were frustrated with hearing individuals controlling deaf affairs.
- The DPN rally began as a response to the Board of Trustees' reluctance to appoint a deaf president.
The Protest and Board Response
- A major rally occurred with 1,000–2,000 participants demanding a deaf president.
- The Board chose Dr. Elizabeth Ann Zinser, a hearing woman, as the new president, sparking outrage.
- Protesters saw the decision as a significant insult to the Deaf community.
- Students locked the campus and presented four demands to the Board.
The Four Demands
- Zinser must resign and a deaf president be selected.
- The chairman of the Board of Trustees, Spillman, must resign.
- The Board must have a 51% majority of deaf members.
- There must be no reprisals against protestors.
Escalation and Negotiation
- The Board at first ignored the demands.
- Students and faculty refused to end the protest without a deaf president.
- Zinser eventually agreed to some demands but would not resign.
Resolution and Aftermath
- Zinser resigned, and I. King Jordan was appointed the first deaf president.
- Phil Bravin became the new chairperson of the Board.
- All protest demands were ultimately met, marking a major victory.
Dr. I. King Jordan's Reflections
- Jordan did not expect the scale of protest, calling it more of a movement than a protest.
- His main message: "A deaf person can do anything a hearing person can except hear."
- His academic goal for Gallaudet is excellence in all areas.
Future Plans for Gallaudet University
- Plans for inauguration, homecoming, 125th anniversary, and the Deaf Way international conference were announced.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Deaf President Now (DPN) — A 1988 movement at Gallaudet University demanding the appointment of a deaf president.
- Gallaudet University — The world's only university for the deaf and hard of hearing, located in Washington, D.C.
- Reprisal — Retaliatory action against protestors.
- Board of Trustees — Governing body responsible for university leadership selection.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review details and milestones of the DPN movement for exam preparation.
- Study the four specific demands made by the protestors.
- Read about the impact of DPN on future Deaf community advocacy.