The Gallaudet Affair

The Gallaudet Affair refers to a significant event in 1988 at Gallaudet University, the world’s first university for the deaf and hard of hearing. Students protested against the appointment of a hearing president, demanding a deaf leader. Their rallying cry was “Deaf President Now” (DPN). The protest garnered widespread support and ultimately led to the resignation of the hearing president. The university appointed a deaf president, I. King Jordan, marking a pivotal moment in the deaf community's struggle for representation and empowerment, highlighting the importance of leadership that reflects the identity and experiences of the community it serves.