President Cordano announces decision to put Vice President of Student Affairs and Community Engagement position on hold; community hosts march and rally

Vice President Position Put on Hold

Photos by Zhee Chatmon. Above: President Cordano made the announcement to members of the Gallaudet community who filled the Andrew Foster Auditorium during common time.< On Tuesday, October 3, 2017, Gallaudet University President Roberta J. Cordano announced to the community her decision to put on hold the position of Vice President of Student Affairs and Community Engagement. President Cordano said the hold will and already has created space for the campus community and other stakeholders to engage in a process about what is in the best interests of our community. To learn more, click “ASL Video” above to watch the vlog by President Cordano.

President Cordano made the announcement to members of the Gallaudet community who filled the Andrew Foster Auditorium during common time.

Community members, like Gallaudet Interpreting Service (GIS) staff interpreter Candas Barnes, asked questions during the presentation.

Student and alumni march and rally leaders addressed the community after President Cordano’s remarks. From left: Student Cahlah Chapman, De’Lasha Singleton, and Graduate Student Association President Dominique Flagg.

After the presentation, there was a march led by students who were joined by alumni, faculty, and staff. The march was about creating a Gallaudet University where everyone belongs and feels safe. The freedom of expression and leadership exhibited by those who participated is a core value of Gallaudet, according to President Cordano. In this photo, student and alumni leaders are joined by Evon Black, associate director of recruitment and president of the National Black Deaf Advocates (NBDA).
From left: Sam Holden, vice president of NBDA; Shanna Thomas; Flagg; Chapman; Singleton; and Black.

The march was followed by a gathering where community members shared their thoughts, feelings, and hopes for the future of Gallaudet.

Leeza Williams, gives a thumbs up after sharing her thoughts with the audience.

Vice President for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Dr. Elavie Ndura sharing her thoughts about the day’s events, with the help of GIS interpreter Folami Ford.