Deaf President Now: A Historic Protest That Changed a University and a Community

The Deaf President Now Movement: A Look Back at a Historic Protest. Gallaudet University, 1988. A pivotal moment in the history of the Deaf community unfolded at Gallaudet University in 1988. Students staged a powerful protest, demanding a Deaf president for their university. The movement, known as Deaf President Now, captured national attention and highlighted the fight for representation and equality for the Deaf community. One student, recalling the intensity of the protests, stated, "We were not going to leave until our voices were heard." The protests ultimately led to the appointment of I. King Jordan as the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University, a landmark victory that continues to inspire Deaf activists today. This historic event serves as a reminder of the importance of perseverance in the face of injustice and the power of collective action to achieve meaningful change.