The Deaf President Now Movement

The Deaf President Now (DPN) movement was a pivotal protest in 1988 by deaf students at Gallaudet University, a leading institution for the deaf community. They demanded the appointment of a deaf president, asserting that deaf individuals should have leadership roles and affirming their cultural identity. The students felt ignored when the university appointed a hearing candidate as president. After a week of demonstrations, the university agreed, appointing a deaf president, reaffirming deaf Rights and independence. DPN highlighted issues of discrimination and the importance of deaf culture and leadership, significantly influencing perceptions and policies towards the deaf community.