Utah's Connection In
Gallaudet University History
Compiled & Written by Jodi Becker Kinner
Published in 2012
Updated in 2024
Published in 2012
Updated in 2024
Note
I am a proud Gallaudet University graduate, having graduated in both 1998 and 2000. I wanted to express my admiration for Utah's relationship with the university. Gallaudet University has been a symbol of inspiration and leadership for the Deaf community in the United States and beyond, serving as a beacon of hope.
Gallaudet University is the only liberal arts bilingual college in the world that serves Deaf and hard of hearing students. This university was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1864 as the National Deaf-Mute College. In 1894, the college was renamed Gallaudet College after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, who was a pioneer in deaf education. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed the Education of the Deaf Act, which led to Gallaudet College being renamed as Gallaudet University under Public Law 99-371. The early faculty and students of the Utah School for the Deaf had a strong connection with Gallaudet University, and the college was featured in Utah Eagle magazine, Eaglet publications, and the UAD Bulletin.
As a writer for a history website, I am fully aware of how societal norms and expectations can hinder people's success. One such norm is for women to include their accomplishments under their spouse's last name. I'd like to address this by writing first names for men, women, and gender identity. This small but significant change reflects my intention to recognize all individuals who contribute to and advocate for our community's causes equally.
Thank you for taking an interest in reading about 'Utah's Connection with Gallaudet University History.'
Enjoy!
Jodi Becker Kinner
Gallaudet University is the only liberal arts bilingual college in the world that serves Deaf and hard of hearing students. This university was founded in Washington, D.C., in 1864 as the National Deaf-Mute College. In 1894, the college was renamed Gallaudet College after Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, who was a pioneer in deaf education. In 1986, President Ronald Reagan signed the Education of the Deaf Act, which led to Gallaudet College being renamed as Gallaudet University under Public Law 99-371. The early faculty and students of the Utah School for the Deaf had a strong connection with Gallaudet University, and the college was featured in Utah Eagle magazine, Eaglet publications, and the UAD Bulletin.
As a writer for a history website, I am fully aware of how societal norms and expectations can hinder people's success. One such norm is for women to include their accomplishments under their spouse's last name. I'd like to address this by writing first names for men, women, and gender identity. This small but significant change reflects my intention to recognize all individuals who contribute to and advocate for our community's causes equally.
Thank you for taking an interest in reading about 'Utah's Connection with Gallaudet University History.'
Enjoy!
Jodi Becker Kinner
The Establishment of Gallaudet University
Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet pioneered in advocating for Deaf students' education in the United States. He founded the first school for the Deaf in Hartford, Connecticut, with the help of Laurent Clerc, a bright Deaf man from Paris, France. Gallaudet became a friend, teacher, and supporter of the Deaf community (Burdett, The Utah Eagle, December 1954).
His son, Edward Miner Gallaudet, shared his passion for deaf education. He became the first superintendent of the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf, which Amos Kendall founded in 1857. Amos and Edward dreamed of establishing a Deaf college. A complex proposal to Congress led to the Act's approval, as several members recognized the wisdom of the younger Gallaudet's proposal. President Abraham Lincoln signed it on April 8, 1864 (Elstad, The Utah Eagle, December 1954). The Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb was renamed the National Deaf-Mute College and established a collegiate division (Elstad, The Utah Eagle, December 1954). The Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb was renamed the National Deaf-Mute College, and a collegiate division was established. As the world's only Deaf-Mute liberal arts university, the National Deaf-Mute College was designed to provide a liberal arts education to Deaf and hard of hearing students who had struggled in other colleges or universities. The mission of the National Deaf-Mute College was to prepare students to become self-sufficient, productive citizens capable of entering professional or vocational fields after graduation (Elstad, The Utah Eagle, December 1954).
His son, Edward Miner Gallaudet, shared his passion for deaf education. He became the first superintendent of the Columbia Institution for the Instruction of the Deaf, which Amos Kendall founded in 1857. Amos and Edward dreamed of establishing a Deaf college. A complex proposal to Congress led to the Act's approval, as several members recognized the wisdom of the younger Gallaudet's proposal. President Abraham Lincoln signed it on April 8, 1864 (Elstad, The Utah Eagle, December 1954). The Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb was renamed the National Deaf-Mute College and established a collegiate division (Elstad, The Utah Eagle, December 1954). The Columbia Institution for the Deaf and Dumb was renamed the National Deaf-Mute College, and a collegiate division was established. As the world's only Deaf-Mute liberal arts university, the National Deaf-Mute College was designed to provide a liberal arts education to Deaf and hard of hearing students who had struggled in other colleges or universities. The mission of the National Deaf-Mute College was to prepare students to become self-sufficient, productive citizens capable of entering professional or vocational fields after graduation (Elstad, The Utah Eagle, December 1954).
During their junior and senior years, students at the National Deaf-Mute College had the opportunity to specialize in a wide range of departments and earn a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. These departments included mathematics, chemistry, biology, history and political science, economics and sociology, English, art, education, home economics, and library science (Elstad, The Utah Eagle, December 1954). This comprehensive array of disciplines ensured that students could pursue their academic interests and passions. The first three years of college required students to take English composition, as well as communication courses to improve their speech, speechreading, and hearing to the maximum, and other forms of communication helpful to Deaf people.
In 1891, the National Deaf-Mute College initiated a teacher-training program, but only hearing students could enroll. Ironically, the graduate program emphasizing deaf education did not allow Deaf people who wished to teach to enroll. Nevertheless, many Deaf graduates continued to teach and run public schools for Deaf students. By the twenty-first century, the School of Education at Gallaudet University, formerly the National Deaf-Mute College, accepted both Deaf and hearing students (US History Encyclopedia: Gallaudet University).
In 1891, the National Deaf-Mute College initiated a teacher-training program, but only hearing students could enroll. Ironically, the graduate program emphasizing deaf education did not allow Deaf people who wished to teach to enroll. Nevertheless, many Deaf graduates continued to teach and run public schools for Deaf students. By the twenty-first century, the School of Education at Gallaudet University, formerly the National Deaf-Mute College, accepted both Deaf and hearing students (US History Encyclopedia: Gallaudet University).
The First Students from the Utah School for the Deaf
to Attend the National Deaf-Mute College
to Attend the National Deaf-Mute College
On June 8, 1897, Elizabeth DeLong, known as "Libbie," and her cousin, and John H. Clark, also known as "John H.," were the only two students from the Utah School for the Deaf to graduate (The Ogden Standard-Examiner, May 8, 1897). In the fall of 1897, they also became the first students from Utah to enroll in what is now known as Gallaudet College following its name change in 1894.
Frank M. Driggs, superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf and the Blind, accompanied Libbie and John H. to Gallaudet College on September 15, 1897, where they would start their first year of a four-year course of study. Frank enrolled in a one-year teacher training program at Gallaudet College (The Ogden Standard-Examiner, September 15, 1897). Because of Frank's presence, Libbie and John H. had the opportunity to travel such a long distance.
Frank M. Driggs, superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf and the Blind, accompanied Libbie and John H. to Gallaudet College on September 15, 1897, where they would start their first year of a four-year course of study. Frank enrolled in a one-year teacher training program at Gallaudet College (The Ogden Standard-Examiner, September 15, 1897). Because of Frank's presence, Libbie and John H. had the opportunity to travel such a long distance.
Elizabeth DeLong's
Leadership at Gallaudet College
Leadership at Gallaudet College
During Libbie's senior year at Gallaudet, she was elected President of the O.W.L.S., a secret society for women today known as Phi Kappa Zeta (The Buff & Blue, October 1901). The O.W.L.S. was founded in 1892 by Agatha Tiegal Hanson, an early champion of both Deaf and women's rights, to address women's barriers in a largely male environment on the Gallaudet campus. When women were first allowed to enroll at Gallaudet College in 1887, they faced gender discrimination. They could only join clubs or organizations if a man invited them. Female students were not allowed to engage in debates with male students. So, the O.W.L.S. club was formed to provide a safe space to debate, study poetry and literature, and form sisterhood bonds (This Week in 19th Amendment History: Agatha Tiegel Hanson, October 17, 1959).
Libbie was an accomplished woman who served as the first female President of the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1909 to 1915. During her second term as President, she delivered a speech at the UAD Convention advocating for women's suffrage. Her presidency of Gallaudet's O.W.L.S. and her involvement in Utah's early suffrage movement likely inspired her to pursue leadership roles as well as her educational, political, and spiritual aspirations.
Today, Libbie's accomplishments continue to inspire people, and she remains the first woman to achieve many of her goals. Utah is fortunate to have had her leadership role in the Utah Deaf community.
Libbie was an accomplished woman who served as the first female President of the Utah Association of the Deaf from 1909 to 1915. During her second term as President, she delivered a speech at the UAD Convention advocating for women's suffrage. Her presidency of Gallaudet's O.W.L.S. and her involvement in Utah's early suffrage movement likely inspired her to pursue leadership roles as well as her educational, political, and spiritual aspirations.
Today, Libbie's accomplishments continue to inspire people, and she remains the first woman to achieve many of her goals. Utah is fortunate to have had her leadership role in the Utah Deaf community.
Elizabeth DeLong and
her Classmates at Gallaudet College
her Classmates at Gallaudet College
Dr. Karen Christie, a professor emeritus at NTID/RIT, discovered a photograph of Elizabeth DeLong in the Gallaudet University Archives. Elizabeth DeLong is featured on Dr. Christie's "Herstories of Deaf Women" website, which provides more information about her.
Elizabeth DeLong and John H. Clark work for
Gallaudet University's Buff and Blue Newspaper
Gallaudet University's Buff and Blue Newspaper
While studying at Gallaudet College, John H. Clark's excellent English skills allowed him to write several articles and stories for The Buff and Blue, the college's student newspaper. During his senior year, he was elected as the editor-in-chief of the publication, which was considered a prestigious role (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956). His cousin, Libbie, also a senior, was appointed associate editor and worked closely with him (The Ogden Examiner-Standard, June 19, 1901; Dr. Thomas C. Clark, personal communication, November 13, 2008). An article in the Ogden Standard from 1901 stated that becoming the editor-in-chief of the college paper was considered one of the highest honors.
Libbie was the first female bachelor's degree graduate in Utah in 1902, as well as the first in her family to complete a college education. On September 3, 1902, she returned to Ogden from Washington, D.C., and began teaching at the Utah School for the Deaf. She stayed in the teaching position for fifteen years (Banks & Banks). She is believed to be the first Deaf teacher at that school with a bachelor's degree.
During his time at Gallaudet College, John H. showed exceptional skills in mathematics, which led to his interest in field surveying. He was tutored by Professor Percival Hall, who was then serving as the second president of Gallaudet College. Percival Hall graduated from Harvard University and was the son of the famous astronomer Asaph Hall (Runde, The Silent Worker, May 1956; Dr. Thomas C. Clark, personal communication, November 13, 2008).
At Gallaudet College, Elizabeth DeLong and John H. were joined by Lillian Swift from Salt Lake City and Elmo V. Kemp from Safford, Arizona. Additionally, many other alums of the Utah School for the Deaf pursued their education and became valuable community members in Utah (The Utah Eagle in June 1906).
At Gallaudet College, Elizabeth DeLong and John H. were joined by Lillian Swift from Salt Lake City and Elmo V. Kemp from Safford, Arizona. Additionally, many other alums of the Utah School for the Deaf pursued their education and became valuable community members in Utah (The Utah Eagle in June 1906).
Utahns at Gallaudet College in 1937
In his "My Life Story" book, Rodney W. Walker, a 1939 Gallaudet graduate, noted that the number of Utahns at Gallaudet College peaked at eleven in the fall of 1936 and has never surpassed since (Walker, 2006). Other prominent Gallaudet alums of Utah were Dr. Robert G. Sanderson, Kenneth C. Burdett, Ray and Arthur Wenger, Ned C. Wheeler, Joseph B. Burnett, and Rodney W. Walker.
Did You Know?
Gallaudet College did not allow women to enroll until 1887, 23 years after its founding in 1864 (US History Encyclopedia: Gallaudet University).
The Gallaudet College Admission
Many parents of Deaf students at the Utah School for the Deaf were worried about their children's future and wanted them to attend Gallaudet College to obtain a college degree. The USD encouraged all eligible students to pursue higher education. In 1946, over 150 students from across the country took the entrance exams, but only 40 of them qualified for the program. To be admitted to the college, students needed to have a strong grasp of mathematical concepts and a good understanding of English. Teachers in USD's eleventh and twelfth-grade classrooms assessed whether the students were suitable for the Gallaudet College entrance exams. The college administration reviewed the exam papers and made the final admission decision. Only a few high school graduates met the requirements to attend college, while most students received vocational education training to earn a decent living (Louriteen, The Utah Eagle, February 1947).
Kate Orr Keeley,
a Standout Athlete at Gallaudet College
a Standout Athlete at Gallaudet College
Dr. Karen Christie, an amateur historian, compiled and authored a brief history of Utah's Kate Orr Keeley. Kate, who never married, graduated from Gallaudet College in 1916 after attending the Utah School for the Deaf from 1898 to 1908. She was a standout athlete at Gallaudet, excelling in gymnastics, tennis, basketball, and swimming. Dr. Christie's "Herstories of Deaf Women" website provides a detailed account of Kate's story.
An Unexpected Cancellation
of the Gallaudet Banquet
of the Gallaudet Banquet
In 1944, Utah Gallaudet graduates joined for the first time to form the Gallaudet Banquet. On December 5, 1946, approximately twenty Gallaudetians and their wives gathered at the Hotel Newhouse in Salt Lake City for the Third Annual Gallaudet Banquet. Boyd E. Nelson, superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, spoke at the banquet on "Bushnell and Its Relation to Our School." At a short business meeting, Superintendent Nelson's address ended with a suggestion to cancel the Gallaudet banquet, which caught Gallaudetians off guard. They believed the debate had come to an end. The plan was voted on and passed before they could gather their thoughts. Kenneth C. Burdett, a 1934 graduate of Gallaudet College, voiced his disappointment at the cancellation of the Gallaudet banquet. "It was a sad thought, and Gallaudetians wondered why some people couldn't be content with a simple gathering without making it the subject of speculation, without twisting and turning the poor simple idea of the first feast until it had lost its original shape and function," he said (Burdett, The Utah Eagle, January 1947). Like many other Gallaudetians, Kenneth Burdett had a strong attachment to Gallaudet College and looked forward to the banquet each year to relive their good memories. However, they were aware that some did not share their viewpoints, and those who did.
There was a club for the Utah Deaf community called the "University Club." The Gallaudet banquet was different from this club, though. Kenneth C. Burdett says that Gallaudeans understood the opposition's viewpoints and respected them to keep the community together. Yet, they still clung to their treasured memories and yearned for the happiest years of their lives (Burdett, The Utah Eagle, January 1947). Members residing in Utah established the Utah Beehive Chapter of the Gallaudet College Alumni Association (BCGUAA) in 1972. The chapter's purpose, as articulated by Rodney W. Walker, a Gallaudet class of 1939, was to acknowledge Gallaudet College as their alma mater, to keep track of each other's lives, and to provide more opportunities for fellowship with one another (Walker, 2006).
Barbara Schell Bass,
Gallaudet President of the Student Body Government
Gallaudet President of the Student Body Government
Barbara Schell Bass, a long-serving teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf, graduated from the Idaho School for the Deaf in 1956 and Gallaudet University in 1960. She was the first woman elected to Student Body Government (SBG) during her senior year in 1959. It was also the first SBG election in which everyone voted (Courtesy of the Gallaudet University Museum). As a result, Utah is proud to have Barbara serve as Gallaudet University's first female SBG president.
Gallaudet University Protest of 1988
Since its inception in 1864, Gallaudet University, now known as Gallaudet University following its name change in 1986, had never been led by a Deaf president. This changed on August 24, 1987, when Jerry Lee, the university's sixth president, announced his resignation. The search for a new president began, attracting a total of sixty-seven applicants, nine of whom were Deaf. By February 1988, the Gallaudet Board of Trustees had narrowed the selection down to three candidates. The final three included Dr. Elisabeth A. Zinser, a hearing woman, and two Deaf candidates, Dr. Harvey J. Corson and Dr. I. K. Jordan (Christiansen & Barnett, 1995).
On March 1, 1988, a group of young Gallaudet alums formed a committee called "The Duck" and held a rally on the university's football field. The rally aimed to encourage alums, students, faculty, and staff to push the board of trustees to appoint a Deaf person as the next president of the university. The event drew the attention of more than 1,500 people, and flyers were distributed to the attendees. These flyers highlighted the fact that other institutions had elected leaders from diverse backgrounds, such as a Roman Catholic was elected president of Roman Catholic at Notre Dame in 1942, a Woman was elected president at Wellesley College in 1875, a Jewish person was elected president at Yeshiva University in 1886, and a Black person was elected president at Howard University in 1926. The flyers stated that Gallaudet University should also have a Deaf person as its president (Christiansen & Barnett, 1995). According to Gannon (1987), students realized the significance of having a Deaf president during the event.
On March 1, 1988, a group of young Gallaudet alums formed a committee called "The Duck" and held a rally on the university's football field. The rally aimed to encourage alums, students, faculty, and staff to push the board of trustees to appoint a Deaf person as the next president of the university. The event drew the attention of more than 1,500 people, and flyers were distributed to the attendees. These flyers highlighted the fact that other institutions had elected leaders from diverse backgrounds, such as a Roman Catholic was elected president of Roman Catholic at Notre Dame in 1942, a Woman was elected president at Wellesley College in 1875, a Jewish person was elected president at Yeshiva University in 1886, and a Black person was elected president at Howard University in 1926. The flyers stated that Gallaudet University should also have a Deaf person as its president (Christiansen & Barnett, 1995). According to Gannon (1987), students realized the significance of having a Deaf president during the event.
The event that took place in 1988 at Gallaudet University gained national attention. The Washington Times and the Washington Post Metropolitan published an article to raise public awareness of the presidential search. Between March 2 and 5, 1988, Gallaudet University received hundreds of letters from politicians, alums, individuals, and other organizations. They were all pushing for a Deaf president to be chosen by the board of trustees. One of the four Gallaudet student leaders of the Deaf President Now, Greg Hlibok, who was also the president of the Student Body Government, wrote to Dr. Zinser requesting that she resign as a presidential candidate. She had been warned that if she were elected president, the students would not support her (Christiansen & Barnett, 1995).
At the Mayflower Hotel on March 5th, the board of trustees conducted interviews for the presidency role. The last three candidates for the position were Dr. Zinser, Dr. Carson, and Dr. Jordan. There was a lot of anticipation from students, faculty, staff, and alumni as they were hoping to elect a Deaf president due to a recent rally held. During the meeting, the board of trustees cast their votes, and Dr. Zinser won with ten votes in her favor, while Dr. Jordan only received four votes. This outcome surprised those who were hoping for a Deaf president. All Deaf members of the board voted for Dr. Jordan (Christiansen & Barnett, 1995).
The Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University selected Dr. Zinser, a highly qualified vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, to lead the university. However, she had no experience with deaf issues, and she was unable to communicate using sign language. This decision shocked the staff, faculty, students, and alums of Gallaudet University because two Deaf candidates were overlooked for the position (Christiansen & Barnett, 1995). At a hotel, Jane Bassett Spilman, the chairperson of the board of trustees, made a statement that infuriated the Deaf community. She said, "Deaf people were not yet able to function in the hearing world" (Sacks, 1988). Consequently, the Deaf community demanded that Dr. Zinser be replaced as soon as possible with a Deaf president.
The Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University selected Dr. Zinser, a highly qualified vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of North Carolina in Greensboro, to lead the university. However, she had no experience with deaf issues, and she was unable to communicate using sign language. This decision shocked the staff, faculty, students, and alums of Gallaudet University because two Deaf candidates were overlooked for the position (Christiansen & Barnett, 1995). At a hotel, Jane Bassett Spilman, the chairperson of the board of trustees, made a statement that infuriated the Deaf community. She said, "Deaf people were not yet able to function in the hearing world" (Sacks, 1988). Consequently, the Deaf community demanded that Dr. Zinser be replaced as soon as possible with a Deaf president.
On March 7, a protest broke out, which led to a week-long Deaf Revolution and the famous Deaf President Now protest. The students took over the entire campus and barricaded all campus doors, preventing anyone from entering the school. The protest was a united effort by alums, students, faculty, and the national Deaf community to have a Deaf person lead the world's only Deaf university, Gallaudet University (Christiansen & Barnett, 1995). The outpouring of support for the protest was nationwide, including from the United States Congress, which contributed seventy-five percent of the university's budget. They also summoned the Board of Trustees to address the issue of selecting a new president. Dr. Robert Sanderson, Dr. Frank Sullivan, and Phil Bravin, all Deaf members of the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees, formally reaffirmed their support for a Deaf president and opposed the selection of a hearing president (UAD Bulletin, April 1988).
In these circumstances, the students refused to reopen the school unless the board of trustees met their four demands, which were as follows:
In these circumstances, the students refused to reopen the school unless the board of trustees met their four demands, which were as follows:
- Zinser's resignation and selection of a Deaf president,
- The chairperson of the board of trustees, Jane Bassett Spilman, resign,
- Increase in Deaf representation on the board to 51%, and lastly,
- There be no reprisals against the protestors.
After rejecting all four demands, Spilman stated that she would be an excellent fit if the students allowed Dr. Zinser to serve as the president. Following this, more than 1,000 students marched to the Capitol, with four student leaders, Greg Hlibok, Jerry Covell, Tim Rarus, and Bridgetta Bourne, leading the way. Despite opposition from the national Deaf community, students, alums, and faculty persisted in their demands until they were met. Finally, on March 13, the board met at the Embassy Row Hotel to discuss the matter. The audience waited nine hours outside the meeting, anxious for the board's announcement. At the end of the meeting, Phil Bravin, a Deaf member of the board of trustees, called Greg Hlibok through TTY to report that all four demands had been met and that Bravin had taken over as Chair of the Board following Jane Spilman's resignation. Gallaudet's first Deaf president was Dr. I. King Jordan, a Gallaudet faculty member. In addition, there was a 51% increase in Deaf representation on the board, with no repercussions for students and faculty activists (Christiansen & Barnett, 1995).
The movement had a significant impact, as evidenced by the collaboration between alums, students, faculty, and members of the national Deaf community to defend their civil rights. The media, including newspapers, radio, and television, supported their cause, as did presidential candidates, labor unions, and national organizations. Their success demonstrated that they did not have to relinquish control of their lives to society, which was a significant triumph (Christiansen & Barnett, 1995).
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson,
a member of the Gallaudet Board of Trustees,
meets with President William "Bill" Clinton
a member of the Gallaudet Board of Trustees,
meets with President William "Bill" Clinton
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson served as a member of the Gallaudet University's Board of Trustees during the Deaf President Now Protest in 1988. He strongly advocated for a Deaf president instead of a hearing president. Eventually, his efforts paid off when Dr. I. King Jordan was appointed as the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University (UAD Bulletin, April 1988). Dr. Robert G. Sanderson was also present at the 1994 Gallaudet University graduation, where he met and shook hands with then-United States President William "Bill" Clinton.
A Principle of Fair Representation
In June 1989, Ron Nelson, a nephew of Boyd E. Nelson, superintendent of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and the Blind, and member of the board of the Utah Association for the Deaf, penned a significant article under the name Mabel Bell. This article delved into the concept of fair representation, drawing a direct connection to the Gallaudet Protest that had transpired a year earlier. Ron's argument was straightforward: protests were a powerful tool for demanding fair representation. Despite the length of his article, published in the June 1989 UAD Bulletin, it raised crucial points that the Utah Deaf community should ponder upon to promote education and advocate for fair representation.
At Gallaudet University, protestors for the Deaf President Now demanded "fair representation." Rev. Jesse L. Jackson called it a victory for all those who have suffered due to a lack of representation. After watching media coverage of the Gallaudet University protest, Ron noticed that the same lack of fair representation existed in Utah. He observed that hearing individuals were responsible for administering and operating all programs created by legislators or state agencies that affected the Deaf community. They acted as if they were divine beings, making decisions and policies that impacted the Deaf community and future generations of Deaf community members without consulting them. They did not consider it necessary to inquire about the Deaf community's programs, problems, or potential solutions. Some even attended deaf events, expecting the Deaf people to show gratitude for their good "mother." In reality, they did more harm than good in developing competence, independence, and pride, which are essential qualities that true mothers should instill (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 2).
At Gallaudet University, protestors for the Deaf President Now demanded "fair representation." Rev. Jesse L. Jackson called it a victory for all those who have suffered due to a lack of representation. After watching media coverage of the Gallaudet University protest, Ron noticed that the same lack of fair representation existed in Utah. He observed that hearing individuals were responsible for administering and operating all programs created by legislators or state agencies that affected the Deaf community. They acted as if they were divine beings, making decisions and policies that impacted the Deaf community and future generations of Deaf community members without consulting them. They did not consider it necessary to inquire about the Deaf community's programs, problems, or potential solutions. Some even attended deaf events, expecting the Deaf people to show gratitude for their good "mother." In reality, they did more harm than good in developing competence, independence, and pride, which are essential qualities that true mothers should instill (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 2).
Ron commented on the Gallaudet Board of Trustees, which had appointed Dr. Zinser as the new president. He described them as a typical example of "hearing mothers." Dr. Harlan Lane, author of When The Mind Hears, also provided a fitting description of such people. He said that the board of trustees wanted to be seen as benefactors and had an attitude of benevolence, which conveyed a sense of superiority. They thought that they knew better and didn't need to learn from the views of others (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 2).
In contrast, Ron emphasized that the Deaf community needs programs that would help them develop their skills, talents, and leadership. This would enable them to control their future and guide their community towards long-term success. Unfortunately, existing programs have not been able to meet their goals and have fallen short of expectations (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 2).
.
During the week of the Deaf President Now protest, one of the moral questions that Ron learned was, "Deaf people need to take care of themselves." Some people wondered why they should receive more education if it would not benefit them. Truman Stelle, a member of the Gallaudet faculty, believed that it was long overdue for Gallaudet to have a Deaf president to prove that Deaf people are capable of leading themselves. However, Ron had a moral question for other Utah agencies that influenced the education of Deaf students, such as Vocational Rehabilitation and the State Board of Education. He asked, "Why aren't you training Deaf students and those who wish to continue their education so they can take your places and care for their own people? Why aren't you hiring qualified Deaf people to administer those programs that directly affect the Deaf community?" (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 3).
Dennis Platt was a member of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind's Institutional Council and an active member of the Utah Deaf community. He was the only Deaf person in a state-level position at the time. The Utah School for the Deaf, like Gallaudet University, had been around for about a century. Some people believed hearing people should not make decisions for the Deaf community. Dr. Allen Sussman, a Gallaudet faculty member, said it was time for the "plantation mindset" that had dominated institutions serving the Deaf to end. Leonard F. Navrat agreed with Dr. Sussman. They believed that the period of hearing people deciding what's 'best' for deaf people was over (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 2–3).
In contrast, Ron emphasized that the Deaf community needs programs that would help them develop their skills, talents, and leadership. This would enable them to control their future and guide their community towards long-term success. Unfortunately, existing programs have not been able to meet their goals and have fallen short of expectations (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 2).
.
During the week of the Deaf President Now protest, one of the moral questions that Ron learned was, "Deaf people need to take care of themselves." Some people wondered why they should receive more education if it would not benefit them. Truman Stelle, a member of the Gallaudet faculty, believed that it was long overdue for Gallaudet to have a Deaf president to prove that Deaf people are capable of leading themselves. However, Ron had a moral question for other Utah agencies that influenced the education of Deaf students, such as Vocational Rehabilitation and the State Board of Education. He asked, "Why aren't you training Deaf students and those who wish to continue their education so they can take your places and care for their own people? Why aren't you hiring qualified Deaf people to administer those programs that directly affect the Deaf community?" (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 3).
Dennis Platt was a member of the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind's Institutional Council and an active member of the Utah Deaf community. He was the only Deaf person in a state-level position at the time. The Utah School for the Deaf, like Gallaudet University, had been around for about a century. Some people believed hearing people should not make decisions for the Deaf community. Dr. Allen Sussman, a Gallaudet faculty member, said it was time for the "plantation mindset" that had dominated institutions serving the Deaf to end. Leonard F. Navrat agreed with Dr. Sussman. They believed that the period of hearing people deciding what's 'best' for deaf people was over (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 2–3).
Ron believed the 'Deaf President Now' week at Gallaudet University was the first step. He emphasized that the Deaf community must continue to raise awareness and use it to advance their cases. In an article by Lou Ann Walker titled "I Know How to Ask for What I Want" in Parade Magazine on April 23, 1989, a Deaf teacher explained why qualified Deaf individuals were not being put in advisory positions. Ron stated, "Hearing people don't want to give up the power," as quoted in the UAD Bulletin in June 1989, p. 3. He thought that most hearing administrators would refuse to relinquish their power to make decisions that affect the Utah Deaf community. Ron advised that the Deaf community should recognize this reality and take control of their futures with wisdom instead of waiting for hearing people to understand their needs.
"It was long overdue for the Deaf community to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives," Ron stated. Until recently, the Deaf community had no say in decisions shaping their future and leadership. "I believe it is time for a new perspective, one that only a Deaf person can offer," Dr. Harvey J. Corson, Superintendent of the Louisiana School for the Deaf, stated in an article (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 3). "How can hearing individuals continue to make decisions on behalf of the Deaf community without providing them with equitable representation and constructive feedback and expect them to be satisfied?" Ron was perplexed. Unsurprisingly, the Deaf community demands "FAIR REPRESENTATION!" (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 2).
In light of the situation at Gallaudet University, Ron urged local and state agencies to learn from the mistake and avoid repeating it. Congressman Barney (D-Mass) stated that the board of trustees' refusal to appoint a Deaf individual as president of the college was an unfortunate display of insensitivity. Ruth Ann Leach, a columnist for the "Nashville Banner," remarked that the problem lay with the attitudes of hearing people. Reverend Jesse L. Jackson similarly commented, "The problem is not that the students do not hear. The problem is that the hearing world does not listen" (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 3).
"It was long overdue for the Deaf community to have a voice in decisions that affect their lives," Ron stated. Until recently, the Deaf community had no say in decisions shaping their future and leadership. "I believe it is time for a new perspective, one that only a Deaf person can offer," Dr. Harvey J. Corson, Superintendent of the Louisiana School for the Deaf, stated in an article (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 3). "How can hearing individuals continue to make decisions on behalf of the Deaf community without providing them with equitable representation and constructive feedback and expect them to be satisfied?" Ron was perplexed. Unsurprisingly, the Deaf community demands "FAIR REPRESENTATION!" (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 2).
In light of the situation at Gallaudet University, Ron urged local and state agencies to learn from the mistake and avoid repeating it. Congressman Barney (D-Mass) stated that the board of trustees' refusal to appoint a Deaf individual as president of the college was an unfortunate display of insensitivity. Ruth Ann Leach, a columnist for the "Nashville Banner," remarked that the problem lay with the attitudes of hearing people. Reverend Jesse L. Jackson similarly commented, "The problem is not that the students do not hear. The problem is that the hearing world does not listen" (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 3).
Ron noted that the principle of fair representation for Deaf people was being recognized and applied on a national level. The United States Congress established the Commission on Education for the Deaf to investigate the education of the deaf nationwide. Many Deaf individuals were included in this committee (UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 3). Ron wondered if Utah agencies at the local and state levels could follow their example and provide fair representation to the Deaf community. Some minor steps have been taken, which are as follows:
- The Utah School for the Deaf set up the Sign Language Committee to explore communication methods used in the total communication program. Most of the committee members were Deaf.
- Similarly, the Institutional Council of the Utah School for the Deaf formed the Commission on Education for the Deaf Committee to review and discuss the implementation of the COED's recommendations. The committee had sixteen members, including four Deaf members (UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 3).
Ron would like to see qualified Deaf people fill the following positions, which have a significant impact on the Utah Deaf community, in the near future.
Ron emphasized the importance of having qualified Deaf individuals to fill job positions, which he believed was crucial. He clarified that being Deaf should not be the only factor considered in employment decisions. However, if the Deaf applicant was an active member of the Deaf community, they possessed a deep understanding of Deaf culture, something that a hearing person could never develop. Ron encouraged members of the Deaf community to speak up for their beliefs and take the first step. He advised them to talk to other Deaf individuals about their feelings and join one of the Deaf political organizations to make a difference. Several organizations were in the area, including the Utah Association for the Deaf, Utah Valley Chapter of the Deaf, and sports clubs like the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf and the Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf. Ron emphasized that it didn't matter where one started; getting started somewhere and speaking out was crucial (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 4).
Ron made an excellent final point in those circumstances. He stated that hearing people were enjoying the benefits of fair representation and that allowing the Deaf community to have the same benefits should be a top priority for everyone. Ron emphasized that the Deaf community should be given the freedom and opportunity to be in charge of their own lives and pursue education. He believed that the time to make this change was now, not soon or next year. Ron's final words were inspired by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, who once said, "If your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, then you can achieve it" (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 4).
- Director of the Utah Community Center of the Deaf
- Director of DSDHI
- Coordinator of the Deaf programs in education
- Vocational Rehabilitation counselors
- More Deaf people on state committees for people with disabilities
- Administrators in religion
- State Board of Education
- Superintendent of the Utah School for the Deaf, additional staff members, and teachers
- Director of a possible State Commission on Deafness (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 3).
Ron emphasized the importance of having qualified Deaf individuals to fill job positions, which he believed was crucial. He clarified that being Deaf should not be the only factor considered in employment decisions. However, if the Deaf applicant was an active member of the Deaf community, they possessed a deep understanding of Deaf culture, something that a hearing person could never develop. Ron encouraged members of the Deaf community to speak up for their beliefs and take the first step. He advised them to talk to other Deaf individuals about their feelings and join one of the Deaf political organizations to make a difference. Several organizations were in the area, including the Utah Association for the Deaf, Utah Valley Chapter of the Deaf, and sports clubs like the Utah Athletic Club of the Deaf and the Golden Spike Athletic Club of the Deaf. Ron emphasized that it didn't matter where one started; getting started somewhere and speaking out was crucial (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 4).
Ron made an excellent final point in those circumstances. He stated that hearing people were enjoying the benefits of fair representation and that allowing the Deaf community to have the same benefits should be a top priority for everyone. Ron emphasized that the Deaf community should be given the freedom and opportunity to be in charge of their own lives and pursue education. He believed that the time to make this change was now, not soon or next year. Ron's final words were inspired by Rev. Jesse L. Jackson, who once said, "If your mind can conceive it and your heart can believe it, then you can achieve it" (Bell, UAD Bulletin, June 1989, p. 4).
Old Dormitory at Gallaudet Uncovers Surprises
Dr. Robert G. Sanderson was a 1941 Gallaudet graduate and a member of the university's Board of Trustees. In the February 1992 issue of the UAD Bulletin, he published an article about discovering his engraved "Sandie, '41" in his old dormitory room at Gallaudet University's College Hall. Dr. Sanderson and a Gallaudet University Board of Trustees delegation visited the College Hall for the 50th Reunion of the Class of 1941 on October 21–26, 1991. While touring the dormitory, Dr. Sanderson abruptly left the group and rushed to a second-floor dormitory room, where he had been studying. There, he discovered a message he had etched into a windowpane still visible on the wall. The message read, "Sandie, '41" (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, February 1992).
Dr. Sanderson shared that the renovation of College Hall at Gallaudet University revealed several secrets from the 114-year-old structure's past, including pedestals, domed ceilings, stained glass windows, and some mementos from schoolboys who lived in the building decades ago. John Dunn, the renovation project supervisor, removed one of the stained glass windows and framed it in the original wood from College Hall. He then presented it to Dr. Sanderson, who donated it to the Office of Alumni Relations for display in "Ole Jim" (Sanderson, UAD Bulletin, February 1992).
While attending Gallaudet College, Dr. Sanderson was the president of the Class of 1941. He took pride in the fact that his class published the first edition of the Tower Clock yearbook (Gallaudet's Daily Digest, Board of Trustees Emeritus Robert "Sandie" Sanderson passes away, 2012).
While attending Gallaudet College, Dr. Sanderson was the president of the Class of 1941. He took pride in the fact that his class published the first edition of the Tower Clock yearbook (Gallaudet's Daily Digest, Board of Trustees Emeritus Robert "Sandie" Sanderson passes away, 2012).
The Tower Clock 1941 Yearbook
Dr. Sanderson's presidency of the Class of 1941 at Gallaudet College was a testament to his leadership and dedication. His class's publication of the Tower Clock yearbook was a significant achievement that would become a cherished tradition for Gallaudet students. The Tower Clock image, a symbol of this legacy, has decorated the front covers of yearbooks, art, photographs, posters, and more. Dr. Sanderson died in 2012, leaving a profound legacy at Gallaudet University (Gallaudet's Daily Digest, Board of Trustees Emeritus Robert "Sandie" Sanderson passed away, 2012).
Unity for Gallaudet of 2006
On May 1, 2006, Dr. Jane Fernandes, who is Deaf, became the ninth president of Gallaudet University. Her appointment followed an announcement by Celia May Laramie Baldwin, an alumna and former teacher at the Utah School for the Deaf and interim chairperson of Gallaudet's Board of Trustees. However, Dr. Fernandes' selection was met with criticism from the Deaf community, represented by Unity for Gallaudet in 2007. Despite having two other Deaf presidential candidates, Dr. Stephen Weiner and Dr. Ronald Stern, who were also considered for the position, Dr. Fernandes was ultimately chosen as the university's ninth president.
Celia May Laramie Baldwin, a Newly Appointed
Board of Trustees Member at Gallaudet University
Board of Trustees Member at Gallaudet University
In 1998, Gallaudet University appointed Celia May Laramie Baldwin, a 1965 graduate of the Utah School for the Deaf and a 1970 graduate of Gallaudet College, to its Board of Trustees. The university's president, I. King Jordan praised Ms. Baldwin's expertise and experience in the field of deaf and hard of hearing education, saying that she would be an excellent asset to the board (Kaila, 1998). Celia May served on the board for seven years until her resignation in May 2006. Her resignation resulted from personal threats directed at her by community members regarding the selection of the new president. The situation was further complicated when Ryan Commerson, a Gallaudet graduate student and political activist, expressed his disapproval of Dr. Fernandes' new selection as the next president. Campus security officers immediately removed Ryan, the plenary speaker at the 2009 Utah Association for the Deaf conference, from the auditorium. The students, under the influence of Ryan, also stormed out of the auditorium, demanding to remove Dr. Fernandes from her position. The protest lasted approximately a week and a half (Unity for Gallaudet, 2007). After the graduation ceremony ended and the students had to return home for the summer, the protest subsided.
When the fall semester began, the students resumed their protest, which had been getting more intense. They took control of the campus buildings, effectively shutting them down for three days (Berke, 2014). Additionally, the protest led to the formation of the Faculty, Students, Staff, and Alumni Association (FSSA), which represented every group, including minority organizations that President King Jordan had ignored. Throughout their time at the university, King Jordan and Provost Jane K. Fernandes faced similar demands from the FSSA, which resembled those of the Deaf President Now protest (Unity for Gallaudet, 2007).
- Resignation of Dr. Jane Fernandes,
- Allow the presidential search process to re-open,
- There are no reprisals for protestors (Marsh, UAD Bulletin, November 2006).
The FSSA determined that Dr. Fernandes was not the best candidate for the presidency of Gallaudet University due to concerns about the quality of education provided and low graduation rates during her tenure as provost (Marsh, UAD Bulletin, November 2007; Berke, 2014). Faculty and staff deemed her "unacceptable" due to the FSSA's dissatisfaction with her administrative policies and management style. The faculty passed a "no confidence" vote regarding her appointment as provost due to the flawed and unfair hiring process that led to her appointment (Marsh, UAD Bulletin, November 2006; (Berke, 2014). In September 2007, the Gallaudet Student Congress passed a resolution stating that they would not acknowledge Dr. Fernandes as the university's ninth president (Unity for Gallaudet, 2007). The protest that followed was more than just against Dr. Fernandes, as it became a battle for the future of Gallaudet University. The possibility of the university adopting ASL/English Bilingual education was also discussed during the protest (Berke, 2014).
Despite the protests, the Board of Trustees continued to ignore the need to listen to what the protestors were saying. On October 13, also known as "Black Friday," over 130 protestors were arrested for civil disobedience by the 6th Street gate, which marked a revolutionary change in the history of Gallaudet. Dr. I. King Jordan, who was retiring at the time, ordered the arrests. Tim Rarus, one of the four Gallaudet student leaders of the Deaf President Now movement, was among those arrested. Before being detained, he shouted, "I helped put you in office, now you're arresting me!" (Unity for Gallaudet, 2007).
"It is strange that I. King Jordan would begin and end his time as president at Gallaudet with two protests," said Trenton Marsh, a Utah resident and 1991 graduate of the California School for the Deaf in Fremont, California. The Deaf President Now protest was the first step toward social equality for the Deaf community. "The current protest is proof that social equality did not truly happen," Marsh wrote in the UAD Bulletin in November 2006.
On October 21, 2006, more than 4,000 people marched to Capitol Hill, similar to the Deaf President Now protest in 1988. Students created a "Tent City" on the Gallaudet University campus during the protest to showcase their unity. This inspired other states to hold their own "Tent City" rallies in support of the FSSA. In October 2006, Tent City was held in Salt Lake City and St. George, Utah (Marsh, UAD Bulletin, November 2006).
Throughout the day, around sixty people showed their support for FSSA by purchasing hot dogs, chips, and drinks from the Henry C. White Educational Council, which was later disbanded to join and support the Utah Association for the Deaf, selling them to raise funds. Furthermore, the Salt Lake City community donated $326.00 to the FSSA (Marsh, UAD Bulletin, November 2006). Rodney W. Walker, 88, a 1939 Gallaudet graduate and the oldest attendee, was present.
Ronald Burdett and his wife, Joyanne K. Rasmus, established Tent City in St. George. They both graduated from Gallaudet College in 1970 and were active in the Deaf community. Fourteen people took part in Tent City. During the gathering, Joyanne shared that Gallaudet, as a result of the Deaf President Now in 1988, has helped make a world of difference for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing everywhere in the world (Burdett, UAD Bulletin, November 2009). Ron Burdett, who is the son of Kenneth C. Burdett, a 1934 Gallaudet graduate, and brother-in-law of Phil Bravin, a member of Gallaudet's board of trustees, gave a brief history of the Deaf President Now and Unity for Gallaudet organizations. Joyanne remarked that the insight provided by Ron was "both meaningful and inspirational" (Burdett, UAD Bulletin, November 2009, p. 7). She described the moment as "both touching and inspiring" (Burdett, UAD Bulletin, November 2009, p. 7). Thanks to the advanced technology available, Deaf people across the country could read blogs, view video vlogs about protest events, and stay informed.
After months of protests, the board of trustees at Gallaudet University realized that Dr. Fernandes would not be able to effectively lead the university without the support of the community. As a result, Dr. Fernandes stepped down from her position as president on October 29, 2006. The FSSA, who had been protesting for an extended period, ultimately prevailed in their efforts.
In December 2006, Dr. Robert Davila, who is Deaf and has prior administrative experience, was appointed as the interim president of Gallaudet University. He assumed his new role immediately after his selection and eventually became the ninth president of the university. Dr. Weiner was appointed as the new provost of the university. Dr. Davila and Dr. Weiner promptly addressed inadequacies and wholeheartedly embraced bilingualism while working together (Berke, 2014).
In December 2006, Dr. Robert Davila, who is Deaf and has prior administrative experience, was appointed as the interim president of Gallaudet University. He assumed his new role immediately after his selection and eventually became the ninth president of the university. Dr. Weiner was appointed as the new provost of the university. Dr. Davila and Dr. Weiner promptly addressed inadequacies and wholeheartedly embraced bilingualism while working together (Berke, 2014).
In June 2007, the Unity for Gallaudet movement organized protests that led to the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) placing Gallaudet University on probationary status. The university was under increased pressure to improve academically and meet MSCHE standards in admissions, leadership, integrity, and retention (Berke, 2014). During a meeting on June 27, 2008, the MSCHE reaffirmed Gallaudet University's accreditation (Unity for Gallaudet, 2007). Dr. T. Alan Hurwitz took office as the tenth president of Gallaudet University on January 1, 2010. It is worth noting that the protest helped improve the situation and placed Gallaudet University on a much more positive path. "People look up to Gallaudet University because it is a pillar of the Deaf community," said Dr. Hurwitz, dean of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf at the Rochester Institute of Technology. He also stated that he believed the dispute arose more from the selection process than a disagreement over Deaf culture (Durr, 2011).
Roberta J. "Bobbi" Cordano is the 11th president of Gallaudet University, which is a national symbol of hope and progress for the Deaf community. She is the fourth Deaf president of the university, and the first Deaf female and queer president. Roberta is a passionate advocate for ASL/English Bilingual education and has established two charter schools for Deaf students in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Additionally, she is dedicated to leading the university's comprehensive anti-racism initiative, particularly in light of the global Black Lives Matter movement in 2020 (Georgiadis, 2021). Her commitment to this cause led to the establishment of the Black Deaf Center for Black Deaf Studies.
Everyone in the Deaf community, especially those in Utah, has felt the effects of the Deaf President Now and Unity for Gallaudet University movements. These historical events have had a profound impact on the advancement of social progress and civil rights. Please take a look at the pictures in the slideshows provided below. Enjoy!
A Slideshow of Utahns
at Gallaudet College
A Slideshow of the "Unity for Gallaudet" Tent City in Salt Lake City, Utah,
October 14, 2006
Note
Dr. Thomas C. Clark, personal communication, November 13, 2008.
References
Banks, Gladys W. & Banks, Douglas W. The DeLong Family Saga.
Bell, Mabel. “The Deaf Eye.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 12, no. 14 (June 1989): 2-4.
Berke, Jamie. “Gallaudet University - Unity for Gallaudet.” (June 3, 2014): 1-5. http://Deafness.about.com/od/Deafhistory/a/unityforgally.htm
Burdett, Joyanne. “Southern News.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 30.6 (November 2006): 6-7.
Burdett, Kenneth, C. The Utah Eagle, vol. 58, no. 4 (January 1947): 9.
Christainsen, J.B., & Barnett, S.M. Deaf president now! The 1988 Revolution at Gallaudet University. Washington, D.C.: Gallaudet University Press. 1995.
“DeLong and Clark with Driggs to Gallaudet.” The Ogden Standard, September 15, 1897.
“DeLong and Clark on Gallaudet Buff and Blue.” Ogden Standard, p. 1-4, June 19, 1901.
Durr, Patti. “Chart Comparing DNP and UFG.” (November 3, 2011). https://handeyes.wordpress.com/2011/11/03/chart-comparing-dpn-and-ufg/
Elstad, Leonard, M. Streamlined Education for the Deaf. The Utah Eagle (December 1954): 12-3.
“Gallaudet College.” The Silent Worker, vol.13, no. 4 (December 1900): 51.
Gannon, Jack, R. The Week of the world heard Gallaudet. Washington, D.C.: Gallaudet University Press. 1987.
Georgiadis, Fotis. "Roberta J. Cordano of Gallaudet University: Why We Should Teach Everyone Sign Language From Birth." (January 26, 2021). https://medium.com/authority-magazine/roberta-j-cordano-of-gallaudet-university-why-we-should-teach-everyone-sign-language-from-birth-b13bd49338a6
“History of the Deaf.” The Utah Eagle, vol. XVI, no. 9 (June 6, 1906): 139.
“Locals.” The Buff and Blue, vol. 10, no. 1 (October 1901), p. 29.
Louriteen, Wesley. “Gallaudet College.” Utah Eagle. (February 1947): 6.
Marsh, Trenton. “Tent City Rally.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 30.6. (November 2006): 6.
“Old Dormitory at Gallaudet Uncovers Surprises.” UAD Bulletin, v. 15, no. 9 (February 1992): 1.
Rude, Winfield S. "A Deaf Civil Engineer." The Silent Worker, Vol. 8., No., 9. May 1956, p. 2-3.
Sacks, Oliver. “The Revolution of the Deaf. “ The New York Review of Books. June 2, 1988.
“Selection of New President Sets Off Nationwide Protest.” UAD Bulletin, vol, 11, no. 11 (April 1988): 2.
“This Week in 19th Amendment History: Agatha Tiegel Hanson.” (October 17, 1959). https://library.arlingtonva.us/2019/10/14/this-week-in-19th-amendment-history-agatha-tiegel-hanson/
“Unity for Gallaudet,” 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unity_for_Gallaudet
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“USDB.” Ogden Standard, (May 8, 1897: 5.
Walker, Rodney, W. My Life Story, 2006.
Bell, Mabel. “The Deaf Eye.” The UAD Bulletin, vol. 12, no. 14 (June 1989): 2-4.
Berke, Jamie. “Gallaudet University - Unity for Gallaudet.” (June 3, 2014): 1-5. http://Deafness.about.com/od/Deafhistory/a/unityforgally.htm
Burdett, Joyanne. “Southern News.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 30.6 (November 2006): 6-7.
Burdett, Kenneth, C. The Utah Eagle, vol. 58, no. 4 (January 1947): 9.
Christainsen, J.B., & Barnett, S.M. Deaf president now! The 1988 Revolution at Gallaudet University. Washington, D.C.: Gallaudet University Press. 1995.
“DeLong and Clark with Driggs to Gallaudet.” The Ogden Standard, September 15, 1897.
“DeLong and Clark on Gallaudet Buff and Blue.” Ogden Standard, p. 1-4, June 19, 1901.
Durr, Patti. “Chart Comparing DNP and UFG.” (November 3, 2011). https://handeyes.wordpress.com/2011/11/03/chart-comparing-dpn-and-ufg/
Elstad, Leonard, M. Streamlined Education for the Deaf. The Utah Eagle (December 1954): 12-3.
“Gallaudet College.” The Silent Worker, vol.13, no. 4 (December 1900): 51.
Gannon, Jack, R. The Week of the world heard Gallaudet. Washington, D.C.: Gallaudet University Press. 1987.
Georgiadis, Fotis. "Roberta J. Cordano of Gallaudet University: Why We Should Teach Everyone Sign Language From Birth." (January 26, 2021). https://medium.com/authority-magazine/roberta-j-cordano-of-gallaudet-university-why-we-should-teach-everyone-sign-language-from-birth-b13bd49338a6
“History of the Deaf.” The Utah Eagle, vol. XVI, no. 9 (June 6, 1906): 139.
“Locals.” The Buff and Blue, vol. 10, no. 1 (October 1901), p. 29.
Louriteen, Wesley. “Gallaudet College.” Utah Eagle. (February 1947): 6.
Marsh, Trenton. “Tent City Rally.” UAD Bulletin, vol. 30.6. (November 2006): 6.
“Old Dormitory at Gallaudet Uncovers Surprises.” UAD Bulletin, v. 15, no. 9 (February 1992): 1.
Rude, Winfield S. "A Deaf Civil Engineer." The Silent Worker, Vol. 8., No., 9. May 1956, p. 2-3.
Sacks, Oliver. “The Revolution of the Deaf. “ The New York Review of Books. June 2, 1988.
“Selection of New President Sets Off Nationwide Protest.” UAD Bulletin, vol, 11, no. 11 (April 1988): 2.
“This Week in 19th Amendment History: Agatha Tiegel Hanson.” (October 17, 1959). https://library.arlingtonva.us/2019/10/14/this-week-in-19th-amendment-history-agatha-tiegel-hanson/
“Unity for Gallaudet,” 2007. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unity_for_Gallaudet
“US History Encyclopedia: Gallaudet University.” http://www.answers.com/topic/gallaudet-university
“USDB.” Ogden Standard, (May 8, 1897: 5.
Walker, Rodney, W. My Life Story, 2006.