Unity for Gallaudet

Unity for Gallaudet was a protest movement that emerged in response to the appointment of a new president at Gallaudet University, a premier institution for the education of the deaf and hard of hearing in Washington, D.C. The movement, which took place in 2006, was not just a singular event but a pivotal moment in the history of deaf culture and education, highlighting the importance of leadership that is both representative and sensitive to the community it serves.

Background

Gallaudet University has been a central institution in the education of the deaf and hard of hearing since its founding in 1864. The university has a long history of activism, with the "Deaf President Now" movement in 1988 being a landmark event that led to the appointment of the first deaf president of the university. The Unity for Gallaudet movement was sparked by the Board of Trustees' decision to appoint Dr. Jane K. Fernandes as the university's president in May 2006, a decision that was met with significant opposition from students, faculty, alumni, and other members of the deaf community.

The Protest

The core of the Unity for Gallaudet movement was the belief that the selection process for the new president was flawed and that Dr. Fernandes was not the right choice to lead the university. Critics argued that she was not sufficiently involved in the deaf community and lacked the leadership qualities necessary to address the challenges facing Gallaudet. The protests began in May 2006 and escalated in October, leading to a campus-wide shutdown. Protesters employed a variety of tactics, including rallies, marches, and the blockade of campus entrances.

Resolution

After weeks of protests, the Gallaudet Board of Trustees ultimately rescinded Dr. Fernandes' appointment in late October 2006. This decision was seen as a victory for the protesters and a demonstration of the power of collective action within the deaf community. The university then embarked on a new search for a president, which culminated in the appointment of Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz, a respected leader in the field of deaf education, in 2009.

Impact

The Unity for Gallaudet movement had a profound impact on the university and the broader deaf community. It highlighted the importance of inclusive decision-making processes and the need for leaders who are deeply connected to the communities they serve. The movement also served as a catalyst for discussions about identity, representation, and activism within the deaf community.

See Also

• Deaf culture
• Deaf President Now
• Gallaudet University
• History of deaf education in the United States