‘Deaf President Now!’ and the Biases of a Hearing World
In March 1988, the campus of Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. was engulfed in protests as students, faculty, and supporters demanded a deaf president for the institution. The movement, known as ‘Deaf President Now!’ (DPN), was a pivotal moment in the history of deaf rights and the deaf community’s fight for recognition and equality in a hearing world.
The protests were sparked by the Board of Trustees’ decision to appoint a hearing president, Dr. Elisabeth Zinser, over two highly qualified deaf candidates, Dr. I. King Jordan and Dr. Harvey Corson. The deaf community at Gallaudet, the world’s only liberal arts university for the deaf and hard of hearing, saw this decision as a blatant disregard for their rights and a perpetuation of the systemic biases that marginalized them in society.
The first major demonstration occurred on March 6, 1988, when students barricaded the campus gates and demanded the appointment of a deaf president. The protests gained momentum as more students, faculty, and supporters joined in, chanting slogans like “We want a deaf president now!” and “Our hands are our voices!”
The deaf community’s frustration with the decision to appoint a hearing president was rooted in the long history of discrimination and marginalization they faced in a hearing-centric world. Deaf individuals have often been viewed as inferior or incapable by society, leading to limited opportunities for education, employment, and social inclusion.
The appointment of a hearing president at Gallaudet was seen as a continuation of this discrimination, a symbol of the hearing world’s unwillingness to recognize the capabilities and leadership potential of deaf individuals. The deaf community at Gallaudet saw the presidency as a powerful symbol of their identity and a statement of their right to self-determination.
The protests at Gallaudet were not just about the appointment of a president; they were a demand for recognition, respect, and equality. The deaf community wanted to challenge the biases and stereotypes that perpetuated their marginalization and assert their right to be heard and represented in positions of power and influence.
The protests at Gallaudet University ultimately led to a historic victory for the deaf community. On March 13, 1988, the Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Dr. I. King Jordan as the first deaf president of Gallaudet University. The announcement was met with jubilation and celebration as the campus erupted in cheers and applause.
The appointment of Dr. Jordan as president marked a significant milestone in the fight for deaf rights and representation. It was a powerful statement of the deaf community’s resilience, unity, and determination to challenge the status quo and demand equal treatment and opportunities.
The ‘Deaf President Now!’ movement at Gallaudet University was a watershed moment in the history of deaf rights and the struggle for equality in a hearing world. It highlighted the biases and prejudices that deaf individuals face in society and the need for greater awareness, understanding, and acceptance of their unique identity and culture.
As we reflect on the legacy of the ‘Deaf President Now!’ movement, we must ask ourselves: How far have we come in breaking down the barriers and biases that continue to marginalize the deaf community? How can we ensure that deaf individuals are given equal opportunities, representation, and respect in all aspects of society? The fight for deaf rights and equality is far from over, and it is up to all of us to continue to challenge the status quo and create a more inclusive and equitable world for all.