Manuscripts

Descriptive Summary

Repository: Gallaudet University Archives
Call No.: MSS 148
Creator:
Title: Collection of The Deaf President Now Protest, 1986 - 1988
Quantity: 3.0 Linear Feet (6 document boxes)
Abstract:
Note: This document last updated 2005 December 1.

Administrative Information

Acquisition Information: The Media Committee for the Deaf President Now Council gave Deaf President Now Protest Document Collection to the Gallaudet University Archives. The gift was made on May 31, 1988.
Processed by: Processed by Michael J. Olson. November 1988.
Processing Note: Revised by Michael J. Olson. 2003 April 1.
Conditions on Use and Access: This collection is open to the public with no restrictions. Photocopies may be made for scholarly research.

Related Material in the Archives:
See ALADIN

Historical Sketch

The Deaf President Now was a historical event at Gallaudet University in which the students staged a protest against the selection of a hearing president of Gallaudet. The campus was shut down for a week from March 6 to 13, 1988. The deaf community had hoped that Gallaudet selected the first deaf president in Gallaudet's history, but it did not happen. The Board of Trustees selected Dr. Elisabeth Ann Zinser as the 7th president over two qualified deaf candidates, Dr. Harvey J. Corson and Dr. I. King Jordan. The selection made the deaf community upset and the students led the protest. The deaf community made four demands: Dr. Zinser be resigned from the presidency, Jane B. Spilman be resigned from the chair of the Board of Trustees, the members of the Board of Trustees must consist a majority of 51% who are deaf, and no reprisals against the protesters.  

Scope and Content

The Deaf President Now Protest collection includes six boxes. The first box consists of cartoon, documents of the master schedule and funds during the protest along with the letters of caution and endorsements. Letters from the Board of Trustees, Dr. Zinser and Politicians are placed in the second box. Also in the second box are the minutes from the DPN council and information secured by the media. The next three boxes include most of the press releases and news clippings about the protest. The fifth box also has the information from Presidential Search Committee, rallies and the resignation of Dr. Jerry C. Lee. The information about the people involved in the DPN and statements by Dr. I. King Jordan, Jane Spilman and Dr. Elisabeth Zinser are found in the last box other than thank you letters. 

Series Descriptions and Folder Lists
No Series