IKJ and Respect

Hello Slemo,

In theory, I agree with you that President Irving King Jordan deserves some accolades for his contribution in the number of years he gave to Gallaudet University.

However, it is very difficult to remove the bitter aftertaste for what he has done in the last few months.   Spinning the truth (trying to imply that Jane is not deaf enough is an insult to the whole deaf community and he must know that the issues is a lot deeper) is probably the worst thing he could have done and he, being a president should not have done that.   The reputation of Gallaudet University is now at stake as a result of President Jordan’s “careless” otherwise “purposeful” (politics-savvy-wise) action.  

Being an alumni living in London, UK, I had to answer many questions about the society in Washington, DC and Gallaudet University and I have to repeat several times that what the media is trying to tell is not completely true.   I am of the opinion that this is the president’s responsibility to put the university in good name.  Quite frankly, I see that this is a very selfish move for President King to spin the truth to the media so Fernie could keep her position as a president-designate and ignoring the whole community.   This is very difficult for me to accept that. 

The saying, one reaps what he sows.  It is evident in the chains of events.   President King Jordan asks for that and now he incurs the wrath of the community and he has to face them. 

Yes, everyone deserves a second chance and President Jordan has to show us that he can earn our respect back and I believe that this will be a long process.   This is very difficult to forget what he had done in the last few months really.

Sharvedh

On 11/1/06, Slemo Warigon <xxxxxx> wrote:

I. King Jordan has given more than 20 years of his life to Gallaudet. He
made many commendable contributions to the institution in spite of his
perceived flaws as one of our most recognized leaders.

Efforts to portray King as a “racist” and dig up “dirts” on racism
within his administration are uncalled for. It’s probably not sexy to
defend a man who is on his way out, but what will we gain by assaulting
the character of such man based on questionable claims? Why are such
efforts being spearheaded by the very people with checkered past in
handling racial differences?

As he approaches his final day as Gallaudet’s 8th president, I honestly
think King deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

Is that too much to ask?

Pax Vobiscum (Peace be with you),

— Zendun, the Deaf and Dumb

“The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see
the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the
future less resolved than it will be.” — Marcel Pagnol, French Writer
(1895-1974)

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