Deaf President Now Movement (1988)

Mrs. Redelings' ASL 1 students watched and discussed the video footage and commentary from the Deaf President Now movement of 1988. The movement, also known as the Gallaudet Revolution, is considered by many as the most pivotal event in recent Deaf history. The board of Gallaudet University, the only liberal arts university founded specifically for d/Deaf people, had elected a hearing president who knew no sign language and nothing of d/Deaf community. In reaction, Deaf people united; supported by not only university staff, but communities and organizations around the nation, the week-long student-led protest culminated in the election of the very first Deaf president in its 124-year history.