Day 5. I King Jordan’s Leadership at Gallaudet University.
“Deaf people can do anything hearing people can do—except hear.” — I King Jordan
In 1988, the world witnessed a historic moment for Deaf leadership and self-determination—the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement at Gallaudet University. At the center of this struggle was I King Jordan, who would become the first Deaf president of the university, proving that Deaf people are fully capable of leading, educating, and advocating for their own community.
Today, we celebrate I King Jordan’s groundbreaking leadership and his lifelong commitment to Deaf rights, accessibility, and empowerment.
The Road to Leadership
Born in 1943, I King Jordan grew up hearing, but at age 21, he lost his hearing in a motorcycle accident. This life-changing event pushed him to immerse himself in Deaf culture, American Sign Language (ASL), and advocacy.
Despite the challenges of adjusting to Deafness later in life, Jordan excelled academically, earning a PhD in psychology and later becoming the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Gallaudet University—the world’s only university dedicated to Deaf and hard-of-hearing students.
However, when Gallaudet needed a new president in 1988, the board of trustees selected a hearing candidate over two highly qualified Deaf candidates. This decision sparked outrage among students, faculty, and the Deaf community.
The “Deaf President Now” Movement
The students of Gallaudet refused to accept another hearing president and launched a week-long protest known as the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement. Their demands were simple:
📢 A Deaf president for Gallaudet
📢 The resignation of the hearing-selected president
📢 Increased representation of Deaf individuals in leadership roles
The protests quickly gained national attention, drawing support from civil rights leaders, politicians, and Deaf communities around the world. Protesters shut down the campus, rallied in Washington, DC, and stayed strong in their demand for Deaf leadership.
Under immense pressure, the Gallaudet board finally relented, and on March 13, 1988, they announced I King Jordan as the university’s first Deaf president. This moment was more than just a leadership change—it marked a turning point in the struggle for Deaf rights and self-representation.
Jordan’s Legacy: A Champion for Deaf Rights
As president, I King Jordan transformed Gallaudet University and became a global advocate for Deaf education, accessibility, and employment opportunities. Some of his most notable contributions include:
✅ Expanding ASL and bilingual programs at Gallaudet
✅ Strengthening Deaf leadership within academia and government
✅ Advocating for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which became law in 1990
✅ Breaking barriers in higher education for Deaf students worldwide
Jordan’s leadership proved that Deaf individuals can and should hold positions of power, and his work inspired generations of Deaf leaders to step forward.
Memorable Quotes from I King Jordan
📜 “Deaf people can do anything hearing people can do—except hear.”
📜 “When we demand inclusion, we are not asking for favors; we are asking for our rights.”
📜 “DPN was not just about Gallaudet—it was about showing the world that Deaf people belong in leadership.”
Resources to Explore
📘 Book: Deaf President Now! The 1988 Revolution at Gallaudet University
📺 Video: The Deaf President Now Documentary
📜 Gallaudet University History & Legacy – visit the university’s website to learn more about all that it offers to the Deaf community
Reflection
The Deaf President Now movement was not just about one university—it was about breaking down barriers, proving the strength of Deaf leadership, and demanding equal representation. I King Jordan’s presidency was a victory for the entire Deaf community, and his legacy continues to inspire others to advocate for inclusion and accessibility.
💬 How does the DPN movement highlight the way individuals can effectively advocate for their needs?
💬 Where can your community improve its inclusive practices to support the Deaf community?
Join us tomorrow when we learn about the inventor of the TTY, a revolutionary communication tool for the Deaf community.
Learn more: View a detailed account of the DPN movement and its impact.
#UU #UUA #CelebrateDiversity #DeafCulture #DeafHistoryMonth #DisabilityAwareness #DeafPresidentNow #IKingJordan #GallaudetUniversity
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