Utah Deaf
Women's History
Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2020
Published again in 2023
Edited by Valerie G. Kinney
Published in 2020
Published again in 2023
Note
To avoid confusion, I will refer to the Utah Association of the Deaf on this webpage from the 1940s until 1962, when they used the word "of." The organization's name was changed from "of" to "for" in 1963 and then back again in 2012.
Deaf Women's Conference in Utah
The Deaf Women's Conference was held at International Dunes Hotel on October 6, 1979, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Utah Association for the Deaf sponsored the conference for the Deaf under the leadership of President W. David Mortensen, also known as Dave.
W. David Mortensen, UAD President
The conference was planned by a committee comprised of Lois Jones, chairperson, and Celia May Laramie Baldwin, Darlene Stewart Cochran, and Ilene Coles Kinner. Over eighty women, ages 18 to 80 were in attendance.
Utah Deaf Women Conference. L-R: Darlene Stewart Cochran, Ilene Coles Kinner, Lois Jones, & Celia May Laramie Baldwin, 1979
A Deaf Advocate for Women's Rights
At the conference, Dr. Gertrude Scott Galloway, a Deaf women's rights advocate and the first woman to be elected president of the National Association of the Deaf, delivered a keynote speech outlining women's rights and the effect on credit cards, salaries, and surnames. She also cited the Gallaudet College's first female Gallaudet College graduate of 1893, Agatha Tiegel Hanson, when she wrote her graduation speech, "New Horizons For Deaf Women" – even before Women's Suffrage (The Deaf American, February 6, 1980).
Dr. Gertrude Scott Galloway, the women's rights advocate & 1st female NAD President
New Horizons For Deaf Women
"Women should be free as the air to learn what she will and do devote her life to whatever vocation seems good to her…It is true that we have made a start in the right direction. But that start has been made very recently, and it is too early to pass sentence on the results." ~ Agatha Tiegel Hanson, 1893
Agatha Tiegel Hanson @ Gallaudet University Archives
Agatha Tiegel Hanson was the first female graduate and valedictorian of Gallaudet College and early champion of both deaf & women's rights.
Workshops at the Deaf Women's Conference
Workshops featured Beth Ann Campbell, CODA and well-known local interpreter, and Nancy R. Rarus, a Deaf Rights advocate. Campbell talked about topics close to anyone's heart - sex, family, and money. Rarus expounded on leadership in women and focused her talk on the Utah Community Center for the Deaf, which was later proposed during the 1980 Utah Legislative session (The Deaf American, February 6, 1980).
Attendees enjoyed the conference so much that there was talk about another women's conference next year. One husband said his wife came home happy after the conference and that he'd gladly pay $9.00 to have her go every week! (The Deaf American, February 6, 1980).
Since Hanson's speech in 1893, women's progress and opportunities have been visible for many years, and they continue to be so today. They've taken the right steps toward realizing that vision (The Deaf American, February 6, 1980). We are prepared to "pass sentence on the results," but we still have a long way to go in achieving and realizing equal opportunity for women and girls.
Attendees enjoyed the conference so much that there was talk about another women's conference next year. One husband said his wife came home happy after the conference and that he'd gladly pay $9.00 to have her go every week! (The Deaf American, February 6, 1980).
Since Hanson's speech in 1893, women's progress and opportunities have been visible for many years, and they continue to be so today. They've taken the right steps toward realizing that vision (The Deaf American, February 6, 1980). We are prepared to "pass sentence on the results," but we still have a long way to go in achieving and realizing equal opportunity for women and girls.
Nancy Rarus, Gertrude Galloway & Beth Ann Campbell, hands making a female symbol shape @ The Deaf American
A Female Symbol
Female Symbol @ clipart-library.com
Utah Deaf Women's Conference attendees, 1979
1994 Deaf Women's Conference in Utah
Fifteen years later, on October 21-21, 1994, the Deaf Women's Conference was held at Salt Lake Community College. Chaired by Kristi Mortensen, a local Deaf feminist, the conference theme was "Towards the 21st Century: An Exciting Journey." Dr. Barbara Brauer, a pioneer in Deaf Mental Health, was the keynote speaker. In addition, Dr. Petra M. Horn-Marsh, a Deaf Bilingual advocate, presented the history of Deaf women's struggles and accomplishments. During the workshop sessions, Dr. Brauer gave a talk, "Women and Violence," while another presenter, Dr. Lawrence Fleischer, CSUN Deaf Studies professor, gave a presentation, "The Enhanced Image of a Deaf Woman-Amee Mathews."
Kristi Mortensen
Women Viewd as a Marginalized Group
Women are often perceived as marginalized, even though they outnumber men in education and the workforce. They are also underrepresented in politics, education, social status, economic status, and professional standing. Utah ranks last in the nation for women's equality and representation in leadership, legal protections, rights, advanced degree attainment, workplace environments, and sexist attitudes. In Utah, women graduate from college at a lower rate than men, and there is a wage disparity between the genders. Women throughout the country thrive on advocating for, educating, and implementing gender equality programs.
Dr. Petra M. Horn-Marsh
Deaf Women Face Double Barriers
As a result, Deaf women have been pushed into a smaller and more marginalized group in terms of education, socialization, economics, professionalism, and politics, where they may face double discrimination (The Deaf American, February 6, 1980). Deaf women continue to face obstacles and challenges in their efforts to lead full and productive lives on par with hearing people. Those who have overcome obstacles and worked diligently to accomplish great things in their lives, education, and careers should be recognized and rewarded. Several examples are on the website, including “Biographies of Prominent Utah Deaf Women."
Deaf Women's Conference in Utah, 1994
Utah Deaf Women Who Made
a Difference in the Deaf Community
a Difference in the Deaf Community
From the late 1800s to the early 1900s, many women in Utah were progressive in achieving their educational and career goals and promoting political goals while practicing polygamy. They were activists, physicians, educators, professors, writers, and politicians (Brooks, Steenblik & Wheelwright, 2016). As for Deaf women in Utah, it is possible that the suffrage movement influenced their educational and political ambitions. For example, in 1909, Elizabeth DeLong, also known as Libbie, became the first Deaf female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, defeating two Deaf male candidates. This is remarkable because women did not have the right to vote for a decade until the 19th Amendment was ratified in 1920, and Deaf women members were not allowed to vote in the National Association of the Deaf (NAD) election until 1965. She was also the first Deaf female president of a NAD state chapter association in the United States.
Elizabeth DeLong, 1st Female President of the Utah Association of the Deaf @ FamilySearch
In 1915, at the end of her second term as president, Libbie delivered a speech to the UAD Convention advocating for women's suffrage. Her Gallaudet's O.W.L.S. presidential election in 1901, a secret society for women and Utah's early suffrage movement, most likely inspired her to run for and win the position of the first female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf in 1909 and to pursue her education, politics, and religious aspirations.
The Utah School for the Deaf announced the opening of a new deaf school in Springville, Utah, named the "Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf," in honor of Elizabeth DeLong, in October 2019 after receiving approval from the Utah State Board of Education and the USDB Advisory Council. (USDB website). On January 6, 2020, the school began operations. It is an excellent way to carry on her legacy. Libbie was likely motivated to pursue her academic, political, and spiritual aspirations by the early Utah suffrage campaign. She has many firsts and is also the UAD's first female president, making her a significant trailblazer. She speaks for the Deaf community in Utah, which is privileged to have her as a leader.
The Utah School for the Deaf announced the opening of a new deaf school in Springville, Utah, named the "Elizabeth DeLong School of the Deaf," in honor of Elizabeth DeLong, in October 2019 after receiving approval from the Utah State Board of Education and the USDB Advisory Council. (USDB website). On January 6, 2020, the school began operations. It is an excellent way to carry on her legacy. Libbie was likely motivated to pursue her academic, political, and spiritual aspirations by the early Utah suffrage campaign. She has many firsts and is also the UAD's first female president, making her a significant trailblazer. She speaks for the Deaf community in Utah, which is privileged to have her as a leader.
Emma M. Emmertson. The Utah Eagle, June 6, 1907
Emma M. Emmertson was a Deaf suffragette during the Women's Rights Movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Emma, like Elizabeth DeLong, the first female president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, was most likely shaped by Utah's women's suffrage campaign.
Mary Wooslayer. The Utah Eagle, June 6, 1907
Mary Wooslayer was the first Deaf female student to enter the University of Utah in 1910 who graduated with a bachelor's degree. While a student, Mary was under the sponsorship of Maud May Babcock, a member of the Utah School for the Deaf Board of Trustees and a faculty member at the University of Utah (Mary Woolslayer Photograph Collection, 1890). Mary was most likely motivated to pursue her education at the University of Utah by the early emphasis on advancing education and employment opportunities for women in Utah and the connection to Maud May Babcock.
Justina W. Keeley. Salt Lake City Division No. 56, October 15, 1966
Deaf women were denied the opportunity to attend Gallaudet College from 1864 to 1887 (US History Encyclopedia: Gallaudet University). (US History Encyclopedia: Gallaudet University). Furthermore, since founding the National Fraternal Society of the Deaf (NFSD) in 1901, women, including Justina W. Keeley, who discovered NFSD for Utah, were denied admission to the organization and full memberships. They were also not allowed to purchase regular insurance membership as men. It was a bittersweet discovery for Justina because it was not until 1951 that the NFSD agreed that women could receive regular insurance membership during the NFSD convention in Chicago, Illinois (Records of National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, 1900-2006).
Did You Know?
Our local prominent Deaf leader, Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, NAD president from 1964-68, allowed Deaf women members to vote and Black Deaf individuals to become members as well as to vote in 1965.
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson @ Gallaudet University Archives
Second Female President of the Utah Association of the Deaf
Finally, on September 7, 2019, during the UAD Conference, Kim Lucas became the second woman to be elected president of the Utah Association of the Deaf, following over 100 years of men serving as president. Kim is also the first queer president of the Utah Association of the Deaf.
Kim Lucas, 2nd Female President of the Utah Association of the Deaf
Utah Association of the Deaf has two female presidential officers for the first time since 1909, with Kim Lucas as president and Ashli-Marie Grant Mayo as vice president.
Ashli-Marie Grant Mayo
Deaf Women United
The mission of Deaf Women United is to empower and elevate the status of our women by bringing awareness to the inequality we still face and celebrating the accomplishments of our female leaders. We also acknowledge the history of unequal treatment of women and work to develop leadership skills as well as service to the Deaf Women's community, which will improve their lives.
To support our Deaf Women's community, kindly sign up for the Deaf Women United newsletter at http://www.dwu.org.
To support our Deaf Women's community, kindly sign up for the Deaf Women United newsletter at http://www.dwu.org.
www.dwu.org
Accolades of the Early Utah
Deaf & Non-Deaf Women's History
Be sure to visit the "Early Utah Deaf & Non-Deaf Women's History" webpage to learn more about our early Utah women's history.
Susan B. Anthony with suffrage leaders from Utah and elsewhere. Women Suffrage in Utah
References
Brooks, Joanna, Steenblik Rachel Hunt and Wheelwright, Hannah. "Mormon Feminism Essential Writing." Oxford University Press, 2016.
Gallaudet University Library Deaf Collections and Archives, "Records of National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, 1900-2006."
“Locals.” The Buff and Blue, vol. 10, no. 1 (October 1901), p. 29.
Mary Woolslayer Photograph Collection. (1890). J. Willard Marriot Library, University of Utah. Collection Number UU_P0669.
The Deaf American Vol. 32 No. 06 February 1980. https://archive.org/details/TheDeafAmerican3206February1980/page/n9/mode/2up
Gallaudet University Library Deaf Collections and Archives, "Records of National Fraternal Society of the Deaf, 1900-2006."
“Locals.” The Buff and Blue, vol. 10, no. 1 (October 1901), p. 29.
Mary Woolslayer Photograph Collection. (1890). J. Willard Marriot Library, University of Utah. Collection Number UU_P0669.
The Deaf American Vol. 32 No. 06 February 1980. https://archive.org/details/TheDeafAmerican3206February1980/page/n9/mode/2up
