UNITED PRESS INTERNATIONAL–Protest escalates at Gallaudet University

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Protest escalates at Gallaudet University
WASHINGTON, Oct. 7 (UPI) — Protests against the incoming president of
Washington’s Gallaudet University escalated Saturday as students
alleged brutality by campus police.

University officials denied any students were injured, The Washington
Post reported.

About 200 protesters at the school of higher education for deaf and
hard-of-hearing students blocked access to the campus’ main classroom
building, demanding the board of trustees reopen the search for a
president.

The students claim their opposition to current choice Jane Fernandes
has been ignored.

Fernandes, born deaf, grew up “mainstreamed” — meaning she went to
schools with hearing children — and did not learn sign language until
she was in her 20s. Students complain she is still not fluent.

When security officers tried to get the students to leave Friday, the
officers gave orders without sign language and the students did not
understand, students told the Post.

Some people were injured when officers shoved their way through and
used pepper spray, students said.

http://www.upi.com/NewsTrack/view.php?StoryID=20061007-102135-8561r