From An Ordinary Observer On This Protest

Letter to the Public by an Ordinary Individual

How do I feel about Gallaudet University’s situation? I have been following pretty much everything faithfully since the day they announced the presidential search process because I enjoy watching history in-the-making. Unfortunately, the path Deaf history is taking is not one I like to see.

April
Once Jane Fernandes’ name was announced, I had no problem with her because I was highly impressed with her curriculum vitae. It is a knockout. The tricky part was that I had not met her so I couldn’t say much about her. I put my trust in the Presidential Search Committee and Board of Trustees. I had no concerns.

May
Over time I heard a few firsthand stories of people’s experience with her, especially relating to her roles at Laurent Clerc National Education Center and Gallaudet University. I became a tiny bit concerned.

June to September
What caught my attention the most was the temporary policy set up over the summer for Gallaudet University concerning guidelines for Freedom of Expression. I simply disagreed with the guidelines. It’s crucial for people to have the right to express their opinions. The battle for freedom of speech was likely to strain the relations further with the University. I thought the Administration made a bad move. I became more concerned and yet still respected the actions of the Administration.

October
Now I started to see several poor decisions and slow responses to the University and public – for instance, how I. King Jordan’s Administration and especially its Public Relations Department handled the pepper spray information. I became disappointed with many of Gallaudet University’s management strategies and responses.

Also, I became convinced that Gallaudet University had struck an iceberg. Many of Jane Fernandes’ leadership issues (huge chucks of ice) had been under the water and I did not see them until very recently. Jane’s leadership issues at various jobs have started to become more visible in the last three weeks. I had heard about some of the issues earlier in the spring by word-of -mouth but now I was getting information through letters. There was an unexpectedly large number of letters from various well respected people, including Father Tom Coughlin, and they spoke volumes.

I need to emphasize that the search process moved too quickly in too short a period of time and on the day Jane Fernandes was announced as the ninth President, many people from different walks of life were surprised. I completely understand that the Board of Trustees exchanged information amongst themselves and that those discussions were kept strictly confidential and I respect that. However, the message being cried out by diverse members of the Deaf community, encompassing a wide variety of functions and roles, is something the Board of Trustees, President, and President designate should now heed.

I. King Jordan is one of only a few highly recognized leaders of the Deaf community worldwide. His responses as of late, which are unacceptable in my eyes, are hurting the Deaf community worldwide. Sadly, the damage is done and he has tarnished his legacy.

Now I’m extremely concerned and want to raise the red flag: I know it is not too late to correct these serious problems and I am respectfully pleading with the Gallaudet Administration to reconsider its actions thoroughly and to represent the best interests of the community and once again serve for the betterment of Deaf human beings. I look forward to seeing the University continue to provide valuable tools which will help Deaf people to succeed for many years to come.

Thank you in advance for listening to an ordinary individual residing in Rochester, New York.

Wendy A. Dannels
16 October 2006