Gallaudet Protest2006

Timeline

• 2006- Dr. I King Jordan plans to retire Dec.31

• 8th President of Gallaudet

• 1st Deaf president• 21 candidates apply

to BOT

1988- DPN

• I King Jordan starts tenure at Gallaudet after a week-long protest shuts down the school

May 1st, 2006

• Dr. Jane K. Fernandes-

Provost at Gallaudet since 2000- announced as 9th President

• As she walks to podium to accept---students begin walking out

Outside about 200 students gatherand the Protest begins…..

• “JKF NOT ACCEPTABLE”

• “NO FERNIE”

May 8, 2006• Students react to “No-

confidence vote” by faculty 96-49

• Faculty vote is important- as Provost, JKF supervised teachers

• 2 demands- • JKF resign and new

search begins• No reprisals

May 9, 2006• This quote will come back to haunt Dr. Fernandes-

didn’t learn signs ‘til age 23• Hearing people think it’s “Deaf Drama”- not much

media coverage

Summer 2006

• Most students leave for summer

• Dr. Fernandes stays

• Over ?????

• FSSA created-

• Faculty Staff Student Alumni group- want a unified approach to selecting a President

Fall 2006Tent City (with video webs and IM)

re-emergesnot only at Gallaudet- but around the

country—the protesters are re-energized

Oct. 2006• Much more tension …..

“Hundreds of protesters took over the main classroom building at Gallaudet University on Thursday night (Oct. 5th) and refused to leave yesterday, demanding that the board of trustees reopen the search for a president.”

Oct. 13, 2006 Black Friday

• 133 students are arrested for blocking gates

• NAD calls for BOT action

Oct 17 Faculty Vote 138 to 24. Six abstained.

• The Gallaudet University faculty marches in a candlelit vigil to Dr. Jordan’s home on campus –

October 18, 2006.

• They protest Dr. I. King Jordan's refusal to heed a faculty vote of 82% against the incoming president Jane Fernandes

OCT. 18, 2006- I King Jordan enrages Alumni by canceling

Homecoming

“ We regret that due to the fact that Gallaudet University is not operating under normal circumstances, and the

protesters continue to refuse to open all of the gates, we must postpone

homecoming and all related activities.”

• Gallaudet Alumni Association President, Andrew Lange counters…

• “I. King Jordan announced…..that his homecoming has been cancelled.

Excuse me, OUR homecoming continues.”

Even 70 year olds participate in the “Alternative “ Homecoming Events

Oct. 21, 2006• Hello,•  • Here is the picture of One of many

Gallaudet Marchers from Gallaudet Univ. to the Capitol this morning on a beautiful, cool day. We are proud Gallaudet Alumnus to take a part in the March today. It was an enjoyable time and fun for us to take a long walk with many people to the Capitol.

•  • Sorry, Larry Obray was not included

as he was busy to take some pictures nearby somewhere else. Also I am not in the picture as I took it with my SK pager camera. I was told over 4,000 marchers today.

•  • Hugs,   Kay Francis

• Pressure builds with 84 tent cities around the world

• Classes are not going on

• The BOT must act---so they meet on

Oct 29

Sunday, October 29, 2006, 5:34 p.m. TO: Campus Community

FROM: Board of Trustees RE: Board of Trustees Meeting

Today, we announce with much regret and pain that after serious deliberation in a special, all-day Executive Session of the Board of

Trustees, we have voted to terminate Dr. Fernandes' appointment as President-Designate (currently effective) and President (effective beginning

January 1, 2007) at Gallaudet University. We understand the impact of this decision and the important issues that

inherently arise when a Board re-examines decisions in the face of an on-going protest. The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the University to terminate Dr. Fernandes from the incoming President's position. Although undoubtedly there will be some members of the

community who have differing views on the meaning of this decision, we believe that it is a necessity at this point. The Board is continuing to meet to

discuss transitional issues. It has certainly been a difficult and trying time for our Gallaudet community.

Now is the time for healing. The hope of the Board of Trustees is for our beloved community to come together to work for a stronger and better

Gallaudet.

Oct. 29, 2006 Unity for Gallaudet CELEBRATION TIME!!!!!!!!!!

Interim President ChosenDr. Robert Davila

• Well respected in the Deaf Community

• Born in Southern California to poor Mexican parents

• Deaf at age 8 from spinal meningitis

• Grad of Gallaudet 1953

May 9, 2007 Robert Davila becomes

Gallaudet’s 9th President