Mishka Zena

Endless Pondering

Former KDES Principal Asks For Fernandes’ Resignation

Open Letter to Dr. Jane K. Fernandes

Filed under: General, * Alumni, FSSA — gufssa @ 1:48 pm

Dear Dr. Jane K. Fernandes,

It is with our heavy heart to be writing this letter to you today.  We have been closely following unfortunate and shall we also say, unnecessary developments on Gallaudet University campus since May 2006 via different avenues of information such as blogs, vlogs, media websites, newspapers, to name a few.  We also physically went to the campus to witness the protests and had meaningful dialogues with the protestors a couple of times.

As an alumnus of beloved Gallaudet University and a former member of Gallaudet University Faculty as well as Kendall Demonstration Elementary School Principal, we now firmly believe it is not feasible for you to effectively lead Gallaudet University when come in January 2007 as the 9th President.  We are not greatly concerned with numbers of your supporters or non-supporters, namely Gallaudet University Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni (GUFSSA).  As obvious as it is, the University has already been disenfranchised, divided, and disaffected.

There is no question to us how much love you have for our only prestigious academic institution for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students in the world.  You have repeatedly stated that you made a vow not to resign and while we are startlingly amazed at your continuing tenacity, however, a relentless question comes to mind:  when is enough enough?

You had stated that “…spirited debate is a sign of a healthy university.  I hope we can work together in a spirit of friendship and respect, working together for the common good of all.”  It clearly appears to us that there has not been any spirited debate going on at the University.  As a result of that, it is an ominous sign of the University becoming unhealthy, to say the least.  We also see that there is a wall being erected between you, the Board of Trustees and President I. King Jordan, and GUFSSA and its supporters.  How can working together for the common good of all be achieved?  We are afraid not.

To maintain your dignity and reputation, we plead with you to reconsider your vow and start healing the University by submitting your resignation shortly.

Aaron J. Fudenske, ’90 (BA in Psychology)

Dr. Kenneth B. Tiktin, Former GU Faculty and KDES Principal (1980 to 1989)

Gally FSSA News » Open Letter to Dr. Jane K. Fernandes

October 20, 2006 - Posted by Mishka Zena | Uncategorized | | 10 Comments

10 Comments »

  1. Wow. How many more letters will Jane ever ignore since May? *shakes head*

    It’s like deaths building up in Iraq for Bush. Now ignored letters are building up for Jane. I remember Jane was comparing herself as Lincoln. To be honest, what’s common between Lincoln and Bush? Divided country. I’ll say I compare her to Bush, but worse than him.

    Comment by Aaron Valentine | October 20, 2006 | Reply

  2. Agree with #1. This is another letter Jane will just ignore. She is like the pink Energizer bunny, she will keep drumming on through everything, ignoring everything, and swear in as 9th prez, her ultimate goal.

    Comment by Cy | October 20, 2006 | Reply

  3. Actually, if Fernandes, Jordan, and BoT continue to ignore us, we will show these papers to Congress :D

    Comment by Mishka Zena | October 21, 2006 | Reply

  4. Congress is aware of the extreme tactics that are being employed in this protest and are also aware that the school needs to go in a direction where all people are allowed to go to Gallaudet without being harrassed by people who don’t make them feel like they belong.
    Congress has bigger fish to fry than your personal attacks on JKF.

    Comment by jack b | October 21, 2006 | Reply

  5. Not really, jack b. Congress appropriates to Gallaudet University 140 millions dollars annually to operate the university. Then the majority of the students are supported financially by their state governments. Since Gallaudet must report to Congress every year, believe me, Congress will be very interested to hear the allegations.

    The University doesn’t want the Congress involved at all because the university then will have to report to the Congress and be held accountable for its actions.

    Comment by Mishka Zena | October 21, 2006 | Reply

  6. what was the surprise tonight at the candelight march?

    Comment by emily | October 21, 2006 | Reply

  7. I believe the surprise is the graduation gowns the Fac used this evening. I love those fac, they are awesome, standing up for what is right. They marched to President’s house and said some words, then knocking the door and no one answered. Then said some words. They hold the signs that says something like “82% JK must resign”. I am going to go all the way with them!

    No need to get too emotional, it is beyond our control so the best thing we can do is calmly protest peacefully as long it taks, day after day, week after week until the official end.

    We must let that dreaded admin know that we will do this forever and we don’t have any pressure whatsoever. The pressure is fully on admin’s side. Patient is the key here. We remember the hare and the turtle story when we are kids. :)

    I know it is easy to lose our patience, that is exactly what admin wants it happen. So patience is our best weapon and we already won, just waiting for the official end as we continue to run up the score.

    Comment by Jamie Clark | October 21, 2006 | Reply

  8. Good morning everyone!

    I just read this news link:
    http://www.freenewmexican.com/news/50919.html

    I felt there is something fishy wrong with that school for the deaf. It occurred on a Wednesday at 11 am (on school hour clock):
    1. I would say that Gallaudet University needs to focus by helping to improve the “Safe Environment” on all Deaf Schools around in USA.
    2. Gallaudet University should focus on “communication skills” to help the students who have been Left Behind from many years,
    3. Possibly problems with growing up with the lack of communication from parents and family,
    4. Possibly growing up with the lack of communication with “no education” mainstream or not going to school before enrolling Deaf School,
    5. Possibly growing up from the “poverty” location (or districts) which they do not provide deaf education rights,

    I do not see JKF and IJK helping the Deaf School for the Deaf in all over USA to be more safe. I don’t feel that they are professional at all.

    Thanks for your time reading my msg.
    FF~ “Unity for Parents” & “Unity for Gallaudet”

    Comment by Frozen Face | October 21, 2006 | Reply

  9. hey what happened at the capitol today? many people are curious :)

    Comment by emily | October 21, 2006 | Reply

  10. I was bushed out yesterday after the great rally then the interviewing all afternoon. It was nice to see old faces as well as meeting new faces. :)

    I’ll do some updates today and tmw. Let’s say I will not forget yesterday for more than one reason.

    Comment by Mishka Zena | October 22, 2006 | Reply


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