Savanna Hoffman
In March 1988, students at Gallaudet University, the world's first university for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, protested the appointment of a hearing president, demanding that a deaf person be selected for the role. This movement, known as Deaf President Now or DPN, highlighted significant issues concerning leadership representation within the deaf community and led to the resignation of the appointed hearing president, Elizabeth Zinser, and the appointment of I. King Jordan, a deaf candidate, as the university's first deaf president. The protest also resulted in greater representation of deaf individuals on the university's Board of Trustees and brought attention to the capabilities and rights of deaf people, reshaping public perceptions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 1988 |
| Dates | 6 March 1988 – 13 March 1988 |
| Location | Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. |
| Protesters | Students, alumni, staff, faculty, and the national deaf community |
| Reason | The appointment of a hearing candidate, Elizabeth Zinser, as Gallaudet's president |
| Demands | Resignation of Zinser, appointment of a deaf president, resignation of Jane Bassett Spilman, reconstitution of the Board of Trustees with a 51% majority of deaf members, no reprisals against protesters |
| Outcome | All demands met, I. King Jordan appointed as Gallaudet's first deaf president |
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What You'll Learn
The appointment of a hearing president
The protests highlighted significant issues concerning leadership representation within the deaf community. For much of its history, Gallaudet University's presidency was held by hearing individuals, creating a sense of exclusion among those who identified as culturally deaf. The DPN movement sought to address this by demanding a deaf president and greater representation of deaf individuals on the Board of Trustees. Protesters shut down the campus, barricaded gates, burned effigies, and gave interviews to the press to demand four specific concessions from the Board. The protest gained widespread support, including endorsements from political figures and assistance from various community members.
The movement was not just about having a deaf president; it was about the larger deaf community standing together and challenging public perceptions of deaf people and sign language. Protesters used sign language to organize and communicate, demonstrating that an inability to communicate on hearing terms was not disabling. The DPN movement played a crucial role in reshaping how the public viewed deaf individuals and their capabilities, asserting that deafness and sign language should be a source of pride.
The protest ended on March 13, 1988, after all four demands were met, including the appointment of I. King Jordan, a deaf individual, as the university's eighth president. This marked a significant change for Gallaudet University and the deaf community, with Jordan becoming the first deaf president of the world's only deaf university. The DPN movement's impact extended beyond the university, challenging paternalistic views and empowering the deaf community.
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Demands and concessions
The student protest at Gallaudet University, known as the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement, took place in March 1988. The protest was sparked by the Board of Trustees' decision to appoint a hearing candidate, Elisabeth Zinser, as the university's seventh president, despite strong expectations for a deaf candidate. This led to eight days of nonviolent demonstrations by students, alumni, and faculty, who presented four specific demands to the Board:
- The resignation of Elisabeth Zinser and the appointment of a deaf person as president: Protesters demanded the resignation of Zinser, the hearing candidate selected by the Board, and called for the selection of a deaf person to serve as the university's president. This was the primary demand that ignited the protests, as the community felt it was time for a significant change and wanted a deaf leader to represent their interests.
- The resignation of Jane Bassett Spilman: Students demanded the immediate resignation of Jane Bassett Spilman, who was the chair of the Board of Trustees at the time. Spilman was a hearing individual, and protesters sought to replace her with a deaf leader.
- Reconstitution of the Board of Trustees: Demonstrators called for a majority of deaf members on the Board of Trustees. Specifically, they demanded that 51% of the Board be comprised of deaf individuals. This demand reflected the community's desire for greater representation and a stronger voice in the decision-making process.
- No reprisals against protesters: The fourth demand was for assurances that there would be no retaliation or punitive action taken against any student, staff, or community member involved in the protests. This request aimed to protect the rights and safety of those who participated in the demonstrations.
All four demands were ultimately met, marking a significant victory for the Gallaudet community and the Deaf President Now movement. Elisabeth Zinser resigned, and I. King Jordan, a deaf candidate, was appointed as the new university president. The Board of Trustees also agreed to increase the representation of deaf individuals, and no punitive measures were taken against the protesters. The protest not only transformed Gallaudet's leadership but also played a pivotal role in reshaping public perceptions of deaf individuals and their capabilities, challenging stereotypes and asserting the pride and strength of the deaf community.
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Student activism and leadership
The student activists at Gallaudet University demonstrated exceptional leadership and unity in their pursuit of equal representation and empowerment for the deaf community. The protest was not merely about having a deaf president; it was a symbolic act of challenging the prevailing perceptions of deaf individuals and their capabilities. The students, backed by alumni, staff, and faculty, shut down the campus, barricaded gates, and burned effigies to demand four specific concessions from the Board. Their key tactic was the reliance on sign language to organize and implement their plans, effectively frustrating hearing authorities.
The protest gained widespread support, with endorsements from notable political figures, labor unions, and business owners. The discipline and determination of the students were decisive factors in the success of the movement. The DPN movement not only transformed Gallaudet's leadership but also played a pivotal role in reshaping public perceptions. It asserted that deafness and sign language should be regarded with pride rather than as disabilities. The protest highlighted the need for equal representation and challenged the paternalistic views that hearing individuals needed to "take care of" the deaf community.
The student leaders who emerged during the DPN movement, notably Bridgetta Bourne, Jerry Covell, Greg Hlibok, and Tim Rarus, left a lasting impact on the university and the deaf community at large. Their efforts resulted in the appointment of I. King Jordan, a deaf individual, as the university's president, fulfilling one of their primary demands. The protest also had a ripple effect on the university's administration, with a significant increase in the number of deaf and hard-of-hearing employees and administrators in the years following the protest.
The DPN movement at Gallaudet University stands as a testament to the power of student activism and leadership in challenging societal norms and driving meaningful change. It empowered the deaf community, fostered a sense of unity, and inspired a global conversation about deaf rights and representation. The impact of this protest extended beyond the university, influencing public perceptions and challenging discriminatory attitudes toward the deaf community.
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The role of the media
News outlets such as the Washington Post and ABC News reported on the protests, with the former publishing a front-page story quoting Representative Bonior's support for the students and encouragement for Zinser's resignation. The protests were also covered on television, with reports appearing on "Deaf Mosaic" and mentions on national evening news programs. The protests even attracted the interest of international media, with reports appearing outside of the United States.
The media played a crucial role in spreading the message of the DPN movement beyond the campus, engaging the public and gaining widespread support for the cause. The use of sign language during the protests, a powerful visual element, was prominently featured in media reports, challenging public perceptions of deaf people and sign language. The media coverage contributed to the transformation of public attitudes, asserting that deafness is not a disability but rather a source of pride and a unifying factor for the deaf community.
Additionally, the media provided a platform for the protest leaders to articulate their demands and share their experiences. Members of the protest leadership were interviewed and appeared on prominent news programs such as Ted Koppel and Good Morning America. The media exposure helped to humanize the movement, giving a voice to the previously underrepresented deaf community and showcasing their unity, discipline, and determination.
Overall, the media played an instrumental role in the Gallaudet University protests by raising awareness, generating public support, challenging perceptions, and ultimately contributing to the successful outcome of the Deaf President Now movement.
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The legacy of the protest
The Deaf President Now (DPN) movement at Gallaudet University in 1988 was a pivotal moment in the fight for deaf rights and representation, leaving a lasting impact on the university and beyond. The protest's success in achieving all four demands, including the appointment of the first deaf president, Dr. I. King Jordan, set a significant precedent. This victory transformed not just Gallaudet's leadership but also public perceptions of the deaf community, challenging stereotypes and asserting pride in deafness and sign language.
The DPN movement empowered the deaf community, demonstrating their ability to drive change and control their narrative. It inspired a sense of unity and activism, with students, alumni, and staff coming together to challenge paternalistic attitudes and demand equal opportunities. The protest's impact extended beyond the university, as it gained widespread support from political leaders, labour unions, and the media, highlighting the broader societal shift towards inclusivity and recognition of deaf rights.
Following the DPN movement, Gallaudet University actively increased the representation of deaf individuals in its administration. The number of deaf and hard-of-hearing employees increased significantly, from 27% to 85%, and administrators from 18% to 36%. This shift ensured that the university's governance better reflected its community, fostering a more inclusive and representative environment.
The protest also had a lasting impact on individuals, as reflected in personal testimonies. Many members of the Gallaudet community expressed how the DPN movement changed their lives, reshaping their attitudes and empowering them within a deaf-centric world. It provided a sense of belonging and activism, challenging the notion that deafness is a disability and instead celebrating it as a unifying cultural identity.
The DPN movement's legacy extends beyond the appointment of a deaf president. It symbolises a turning point in the fight for deaf rights and representation, inspiring similar movements and empowering the deaf community to demand equal opportunities in all spheres of life. The protest's success demonstrated the power of collective action and the importance of ensuring that all voices are heard, respected, and included in decision-making processes.
Overall, the DPN movement at Gallaudet University left an indelible mark on the institution and the broader community. It served as a catalyst for change, challenging societal perceptions, increasing representation, and empowering individuals. The legacy of the protest continues to inspire and guide efforts towards a more inclusive and equitable future for the deaf community.
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