On August 24, 1987, Gallaudet’s 6th president, Dr. Jerry Lee, announced that he would be leaving the presidency of Gallaudet. It prompted new (or rekindled) discussion among the Deaf community that it is time for Gallaudet to have a Deaf president leading the one and only Deaf university in the world. The search committee narrowed […]
Read MoreDay 8: Sunday, March 13th • The board held an emergency meeting all day. • Around 7:40 pm, Phil Bravin called via Teletype (TTY) and asked for Greg Hlibok. • A press conference was held at 8 pm with Phil Bravin announcing: • I. King Jordan was elected Gallaudet’s 8th president, first Deaf ever. • […]
Read MoreDay 7: Saturday, March 12, 1988 • The day was termed as “Board Buster Day” • Free Spilman dogs and board burgers were given out. • All day Arts Festival • “Ole Jim” remained full of people and the press waiting for news • $27,000 has been raised for DPN fund. • The board members […]
Read MoreDay 6: Friday, March 11, 1988 • At 10 am at a press conference, Zinser formally announced her resignation. • Busloads of supporters from Pennsylvania, New York and Massachusetts arrived to join the protest. • Many other national organization’s supporters joined as well. • 3,000 marched from Gallaudet to The Capitol Building and the speakers […]
Read MoreDay 5: Thursday, March 10, 1988 • Gates continue to be blocked. • Zinser stated she would attempt to establish communications with students. • Students made it clear that they did not want her on campus. • At a press conference was held with Dr. I. King Jordan reversing his support from Elizabeth Zinser toward […]
Read MoreDay 4: Wednesday, March 9, 1988 • Gates continued to be blocked by protestors and their cars around the campus. • Gallaudet campus police tried to gain control but students kept their stronghold. • Elizabeth Zinser arrived in Washington D.C. from North Carolina and said “I am in charge and take whatever steps necessary to […]
Read MoreDay 3: Tuesday, March 8, 1988 • The gates were re?opened but the students boycotted classes. • A press conference was held to announce the formal Deaf President Now organization • 4 students were identified as DPN leaders: • 1) Greg Hlibok, the spokesman • 2) Bridgetta Bourne • 3) Jerry Covell • 4) Tim […]
Read MoreDay 2: Monday, March 7, 1988 • By dawn, students blocked all gates and took full control of University. • 4 demands were formed: 1) The Board must select one of the two deaf finalists as our seventh president of Gallaudet University 2) Ms. Jane Basset?Spilman must immediately resign from the Board as a Chairman […]
Read MoreDay 1: Sunday, March 6, 1988 • 10 hearing board members voted for Elizabeth Zinser over I. King Jordan who received 4 votes (3 deaf members and 1 hearing member). • Formal announcement of the selection of Gallaudet’s 7th president would be made at the field house at 8:30 pm • Instead of formal announcement, […]
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