In March 1988, Gallaudet University experienced a watershed event that led to the appointment of the 124-year-old university's first deaf president. Since then, Deaf President Now (DPN) has become synonymous with self-determination and empowerment for deaf and hard of hearing people everywhere.

Four fingers held up represent the four demands of DPN.

The Issues
what drove the protest presented in a day-by-day chronology of events

Greg Hlibok

Profiles & Viewpoints
Brief biographies of key individuals involved in the protest and personal accounts

DPN Banner

Impact
How DPN affected deaf and hearing people around the world

This website was initially created as part of the 10- and 15-year celebrations of DPN. Much has changed at Gallaudet University and for the deaf community around the world since DPN. The content has been lightly updated for the 25-year celebration but for the most part remains a snapshot of the events of March 1988.

Photo credits: Yoon K. Lee, Chun Louie and Ken Kurlychek