Last night, Celia May Baldwin, the interim chair of the Board of Trustees, resigned from her position. In her letter, she cited that
The presidential search and the controversy that has ensued have put an enormous strain and stress on me. I simply could not ignore the numerous aggressive threats I have received over the past weeks.
Aggressive threats? She isn’t the only one who has complained of receiving them. At least one member of the Presidential Search Committee has experienced similar treatment.
I remember seeing Ms. Baldwin for the first time. It was May 1st, and she gushed forth with enthusaism as she prepared to announce Dr. Fernandes’s name. She called it “making history again.” It was plain to see how much love she held for Gallaudet — and how much she held sacred her responsibility to safeguard the university’s future. She stole the show that afternoon, not Dr. Fernandes.
She returned from California five days later, looking considerably more tired and maybe even a little confused as she faced a hostile, angry audience. Ms. Baldwin, who, at the last minute, took off from work to attend to this university emergency, was rewarded with a walkout by most of the audience before the open forum had concluded.
I know that the FSSA cannot be responsible for every dissenter’s actions, nor should a few bad apples bring down an entire protest/movement that has gained much support from all stakeholders. But these…these aggressive threats are inexcusable. No presidential selection controversy is worth destroying a person’s sense of personal safety.
This is America. We’re supposed to respect each other’s beliefs. Threatening others is deplorable. These letters are a symptom of the emotional violence that Chris and Allison have alluded to.
We, no matter our convictions, have a collective responsibility to ensure this behavior does not happen. Other bloggers, with complete disregard for the emotional well-being of these people, have posted the public and private e-mail addresses of several Board members. Irresponsible and inexcusable.
Ms. Baldwin–a very, very nice person–made a decision that she believed was in the best interests of the university. It was unpopular, and she knew it. Sure, she got some heat, but this? This isn’t the type of civility that Oscar referred to.
To whomever wrote these e-mails to Celia May Baldwin, shame on you.
To whomever wrote other threatening messages to involved persons–committee members, bloggers, students, faculty, shame on you.
To whomever has intimidated, in any shape, form or degree, another person for their beliefs (or lack thereof) concerning this controversy, shame on you.
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This is another example of the intolerant atmosphere that is currently running rampant at Gallaudet and elsewhere. People seem to think that they deserve a “do over” no matter what the consequences are simply because the results don’t suit them. Shame on them, indeed.
Might not be Gallaudet people. Might be anyone. Could even be an unbalanced client of mine with mental problems who thinks this is a good way to show support for Gallaudet.
What really struck me was how people instantly blamed either group (IKJ’s or FSSA’s)- and actually, we still do NOT NOT know which group Baldwin was referring to in her letter. We can’t really make any assumptions until we hear her side.
My heart goes out to Baldwin.
The FSSA blames people on the West Coast, for what it’s worth.
From experience, I can tell you why there is a split about Deafhood concept.
I support Deafhood.
I also agree that Paddy wrote a wonderful book. I am a teacher who is proud to be Deaf even though I came from mainstreamed background. This book validated my feelings that I am Deaf with capital D.
David Eberwein (DE) did present directly from Paddy’s Deafhood book at the protest. I think it is great for the FSSA incorporate Deafhood identity.
Please be aware that DE also only hangs out mostly with Deaf of Deaf. He also hangs out with Deaf who have Deaf of Deaf partners. We have seen him make fun of others who identify themselves as D but in his eyes they are d. We have seems him make fun of CI people. He represents the opposite of Audism, oppressing those who do not fit in his “Deaf of Deaf” club. The public perception is not good so many Deaf people in california are not convinced about the true intention or agenda of Deafhood by DE’s group.
People who defended DE are either part of his inside Deaf of Deaf group in Fremont or just saw his presentation for the first time at the rally. Those at the Tent City do not truly know how he treats other teachers and Deaf people unfairly at our school and in our community.
Because of his actions, his DeafHood crediblity isn’t there. Before you defend him further, there should be a campus wide survery at his school to get the facts on how people truly feel about his treatment. Then again, it might not work because many are afraid to be on DE’s Deafhood Black List.
DE needs to practice what he preaches. I also think there needs to be a more credible presentator than him. I am impressed with how FSSA presented diversity. FSSA represents reality. I am also thankful for Paddy’s response to the protestors to stop the “Deafier than Thou” attitudes. Paddy also needs to send this message to CSDF.
DE needs to make his DeafHood group at school grow with people of color as well as people of diverse background, especially those who grew up mainstreamed, and even with CIs. Once he starts practicing this, he will become a more credible speaker.
I know many praised the California website. Again, it is all DE’s cronies. You will not find diversity of people in that group. It is why so many people in California resisted the Deafhood website because of the perception they perpetuated that we are not Deaf enough to be part of this group. If you are not a native signer in Fremont, they will turn their noses.
So there is whole another group, a much bigger one, left out by DE’s Deafhood platform who fully SUPPORTS FSSA. We feel that people (FSSA) have spoken, so JK needs to respond appropriately by stepping down.
Paddy, can you come to USA (and California) as a true example of Deafhood. You are the more credible person to do the Deafhood platform.
I hope no one finds out who I am because I do not want my teaching career to be jeopardized. I just need to get the truth out there.
FSSA–You will get your way. Just be patient and persistent to get through the so called Perfect Storm.
In Deafhood spirit,
Capital D
I agree with your mention of those Deaf of Deaf, the co-called hard core Deaf. That kind of group is full of BULLSHIT!! They don’t practice what they preach. Like you said, they have the tendency to mingle or hang out with those D of D only. Yes, that’s crystal clear! That is something we need to look at hard!! Wake up, people of diversities other than D of D.
Capital D!! I totally agree with you. DE is splitting the Bay Area community in half…literally. Even those of us who embrace Deafhood believe DE is (sadly) misinterpreting Deafhood. I have wondered what Paddy Ladd must be thinking. There are many who see DE as a unfit leader with CSDF lackeys and he is slowly poisoning this community instead of encouraging it to grow.
I am from a hearing family. I was mainstreamed for most of my school career. I learned ASL in high school. I’ve been warmly welcomed by DE. And no, I’m not with someone who is Deaf of Deaf. I also happen to know the creator of the California website very well. She would be unbelievably offended if she read your post. She has resisted elitism all her life and strongly encourages diversity and acceptance among all. She is by no means Deaf of Deaf - she is the only deaf person in her family. Please be careful about what you say about the Bay Area community. Assumptions are dangerous.
Thank you, Julie.
It’s also worth reminding people that her e-mail address was public. Deaf people from all over the world are watching this - so are hearing people. It might not be anyone associated with either Gallaudet or FSSA or any other of the organizations involved here. Likely we will never know, but each side will use it as a cudgel to beat others over the head.
I second that. That is really sad.
Just as I thought. I mean the moment I saw Celia May Baldwin’s resignation letter that included the words “aggressive threats,” I knew it wouldn’t be long til the media get a hold of it. I blogged about this immediately. And, sure enough. 6 hours later…WaPo gets the first grab with the “aggressive” part as their headline. And soon…as wake up this morning to check this…
http://news.google.com/news?hl.....+gallaudet
17 pages of news with the words “aggressive threats” + “gallaudet”
I think it’s the media that’s going to give Gallaudet a black eye in more ways than one. If this gets any more exposures or more resignations from the BoT, etc (except for JKF), surely it’ll all go downhill. And graduation is coming up to. There has been talk of protesting while their parents and friends are their to visit (and protest, too)…if that’s the plan, it’s going to simply get ugly. I’d say keep the protest OUT OF IT on that day. It’s supposed to be an enjoyable one. All you need to have is one stupid little graduate walking the stage to receive his diploma and turn to the crowd and and say “F.U. JKF” with IKJ at the podium. Or try and do a ranting speech…whatever…just to ruin EVERYBODY’s good time. If the FSSA want to avoid anymore media bombshells, they HAD better –>educate
My message to the FSSA..
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.....er-17.html
corrected link…a message to FSSA
http://kokonutpundits.blogspot.....ver-7.html
And I just looked again…30 minutes later…it’s already 10 pages worth of the words “aggressive threats” + “gallaudet”…up from 7 pages.
Geez…
** Gallaudet Faculty Use GU Students as Henchmen **
Now we all know that, in reality, there was NO student movement to replace the new campus president; the gullible Gallaudet students staged their little “protest” at the behest of the chair-warming faculty of GU.
I have heard of old men sending young men off to die in war, but sending young people out to vandalize and attempt to shut down a campus is a new concept for me.
A few low-rent, socially retarded, trouble-making Gallaudet faculty filled the minds of some gullible young people with lies and garbage and bade them to do their dirty work.
The *working* men and women of Gallaudet (i.e., not the faculty) now see through hypocrisy of the Gallaudet faculty.
Gallaudet University is now a hostile working environment due to the irresponsible actions of the GU faculty. Gallaudet faculty, in addition to being objects of humor to the men and women who *work* on campus are now also reasonable targets for other forms of retribution. Do you think you can just mess with us all week and we’re not going to do anything about it? You are mistaken.
We call for the immediate prosecution of every faculty member who stood in line with the students. We call for the immediate prosecution of every person responsible for turning this campus into a toilet last week. And we should start with that media starlet and chair-warmer extraordinaire MJ Bienvenue.
My sympathies goes out to Cecila May Baldwin. The BoT has truly lost one good trustee, and it will take a long time to replace someone of her caliber. I truly wish the best for her.
Adam wrote: [Baldwin] gushed forth with enthusaism as she prepared to announce Dr. Fernandes’s name. She called it “making history again.” It was plain to see how much love she held for Gallaudet — and how much she held sacred her responsibility to safeguard the university’s future.
Adam,
As it is difficult to prove how an individual “loves” something or “holds X sacred” from an event as short as the May 1st announcement, it seems illogical to agree or disagree with your post.
If Baldwin does love Gallaudet and had regarded her former BOT chair position as sacred, her performance at the Gallaudet forum (available at BisonTV.com) would have been much stronger. Her letter written in response to the faculty votes of no confidence in JK and the BOT’s decision would have been better crafted.
I am conflicted about whether Baldwin and Brueggemann should have publicized the reasons for her resignation. It is clear that the disclosure of (unspecified) threats has excaberated the crisis. I am not confident whether this disclosure is a wise move on the part of BOT. Perhaps the Gallaudet faculty should have voted no confidence on not just the BOT’s decision, but the BOT itself.
There is no question that all sides in this debacle are, ahem, unified in believing that personal threats to Baldwin should have never been made. I hope that the appropriate authorities have been contacted on this matter.
It is unfortunate that we all are not unified with the majority of the faculty, students, and (likely) the staff in insisting that JK must step down.
Deaf Gut: I think you hit the nail on the head when you point out that Adam is basing his evaluation of CM Baldwin’s love for Gallaudet on one moment in time.
When I watched her present at the open forum, I saw a weakened presence. I saw someone who had taken this situation very personally and was unable to articulate very well what was happening. I do feel bad for her being caught in the crossfire between the Board and the FSSA.
I also based my evaluation on the fact that CM served on the Board. She’s a Gallaudet alumni. She doesn’t get paid for being on the Board. She’s expected to donate money to Gallaudet. I’m just going to assume here that she loved Gallaudet.
Doesn’t mean she knew what to do with that love. As you said to me two days ago, “the road to hell is paved with good intentions.” I’m sure Celia May had nothing but the best intentions. Ah. I’m hoping she’s all right now. :-/
I agree with you guys. I feel bad that the protesters put her in the HOT seat. She kept saying,” Trust, trust and trust me.”
The FSSA does not blame people on the West for this. Please be sure to go to check their site to see what they have said in regards to the threats.
Shame on everyone who has behaved this way.
“PRESS RELEASE
Faculty Student Staff Alumni Coalition
Gallaudet University
May 9, 2006
The Faculty Student Staff Alumni Coalition expresses profound regret for the loss of Ms. Celia May Baldwin’s leadership as a member of the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees. We are further saddened by the reports of threats directed at Ms. Baldwin for her role as interim chair in the appointment of the president-select.
While it is apparent that the threats to Ms. Baldwin came from the West Coast, the FSSA Coalition wishes to make it clear that under no circumstances do we endorse violence or threats toward any individuals or groups. We ask that all threats to Ms. Baldwin cease immediately, and that the community exhibit civility and respect to all in the interest of social justice.
Ms. Baldwin came to Gallaudet University as we requested during the protest. She met with us, she came to some rallies, circulated with the students, and we believe she heard us. For this, we express our deep appreciation.
The FSSA Coalition wishes to thank Ms. Baldwin for her long and dedicated service as a member of the Board of Trustees. She will be missed.”
This is from the FSSA Web site. It says “While it is apparent that the threats to Ms. Baldwin came from the West Coast….”
Read much?
The FSSA is not blaming the people in the West. They were just saying that “it is apparent that….. ”
That is much different than pointing a finger and saying YOU DID IT! I KNOW YOU DID IT!!!
They are just saying, “I think it might be those people over there, but I’m not sure”.
It is far better to say nothing, than to even create a suggestion of guilt.
Pure semantics and sophistry. Pointing fingers while denying it doesn’t make FSSA look good.
Yes, the threats came from both the West Coast and the East Coast — on the East Coast in the form of IKJ and his administration with its battery of lawyers and spin doctors, and on the West Coast, in the form of CSD-Fremont where lies a hotbed of Deafhood, albeit a twisted version! For the FSSA to say “it is apparent that the threats to Ms. Baldwin came from the West Coast” pretty much hits the bullet mark! Those who spread the gospel of Deafhood need to examine themselves and their motives first!
I agree with K. Roberts.
I have ONE word for McConnell. Pathetic.
Just wanted to let others know that CM Baldwin was at the protesters’ rally last Saturday afternoon. She seemed to enjoy herself, mingled with diferent people. Nobody berated or blasted her in the open view.
I strongly suspect that the Board or the IKJ’s lawyers made threats.
R-
Why would IKJ lawyers or the Board make threats? Where do you base this assumption on?
You really are totally out of your ******* mind. You should be institutionalized. You appear to thrive of spreading hate and lies. Do the entire deaf community a favor and go away. You make us all look like ******* morons and animals.
Ridor,
I enjoy hearing more of your fabricated conspiracy theories among you and others.
If you keep up with fabricating without solid proof, you will surely fail! I have seen you on your blog from time to time, you really did fabricated the stories very often!
There’s such thing as protestors doing these kind of threats and denying that.
Shame on these people! Ceclia doesn’t deserve these such treatments in the first place. My hat off to Ceclia. Sad history of Gallaudet is going to be written.
Ridor, Please get your facts first before you comment. Dont assume too much.
Please reread what I said. I said I STRONGLY SUSPECT. That does not mean that I have to provide facts. One has to know the traits of the IKJ Administration to figure it out — let’s face this — I had been here for years. The system is so obvious. But you do not.
Please refrain with your offensive comments. No wonder people emailed me frequently making fun of people here on deafdc.com
R-
Strongly suspect means conspiracy theory about it… No question about that.
also where does $4 million monies go? It should be investigated, strangely the auditors did overlook that monies? We should get external auditors to investigate!
This is the sort of finger pointing that the protestors have been doing. I am sure people who do this sort of thing do in behind doors, too afraid to in the open. The attack like the bullies they are and then point the fingers at someone who has nothing to gain- neither IKJ or the Board have anything to gain from this.
You got me real scared for a moment -when I thought your article’s header was directed at C.M. Baldwin for her resignation from the BoT. Indeed, she (and other BoT people) didn’t deserve all the verbal lynchage she (they) has (have) been subjected to in the past week.
The idea that anybody was making personal threats against CM is quite disappointing. Everybody involved here needs to behave like adults, and threatening is a sixth-grade bully tactic.
Yes, there were threats posted on the blogs.. some subtle, do you think the “F” word posted on Ridor’s blog is not targeted toward the new Interim Chair? B lady? Think again, the protestors were there physically and subtly made threats via blogs. I agree with Adam Stone, SHAME ON YOU! You just blew it! No one will look at Gallaudet as a highly regarded instuition again considering the fact it was threats that pushed CM out. I’ve already seen comments by people, “My god, Gallaudet is full of animals”. Looks like the protest isn’t working thanks to the blogs!
Exactly, Ron. I can see them shaking their heads as they read the news about CMB’s resignation due to “aggressive threats”.
http://news.google.com/news?hl.....;scoring=d
10 pages worth already today.
This will go down as one of Gallaudet’s worst protest ever….unless the FSSA can manage to salvage the whole thing and save face while they’re at it.
Mcconnel… I’m sorry but you are an idiot….
You’re entitled to your own opinion. But I don’t hide my name.
Okay, everyone, please do not resort to personal insults. It is not helping anyone, either the pro, or the con groups.
In fact, personal insults like this are partly the reason that woman left. Please learn that lesson and express your thoughts with a respectful tone.
It would be deeply appreciated.
Well, I tried my best when I posted my comments. People just went after me about who I am. go figure.
R-
*Achooooooo*
I’m allergic to BULLSHIT.
Its bad that such a good person has left. And about the insults has the spirit of “safe zones” been abandoned? this is a neutral site for healthy debate.
Adam, the BoT members are paid for their participation, beyond expenses incurred. Not that it matters (but it helps you to slant your case)…
The problem with bloggers is that often they think they practice journalism while all they actually do is regurgitate what journalists say. Your sources are not CM Baldwin but what you’ve read from impartial journalists, and somehow you’ve decided that the FSSA is to blame? I deduce it like that too but I’m not prepared to order shame upon heads. I’d never want you on any jury… guilty until proven innocent.
And in any case, the FSSA has denounced these threats. At least recognize that, for balance?
I know all sides here are anxiously awaiting information on what these threats were. Let’s reserve some judgment for later on.
Err…so WaPo has practiced good journalism as well? Just asking…..
*Foot in mouth* I didn’t mean to direct that to Adam, but to those who responded by pointing fingers at FSSA…
The BoT members DO get paid? Tom Humphries said last Friday that the Board members don’t get paid for their service (except for expenses incurred). Maybe I misunderstood?
Let me get to you on that… I’m going by hearsay from BoT members as well.
There’s one thing, criminal behavior is not excusable, period.
One wonders why they did not REPORT it. They should have. Now all we have is speculations and accusations flying around.
R-
Sometimes it’s hard to keep an e-mail that’s so full of vitrol it sickens you. However, even if it was deletion all she needs is to turn over her pc as evidence and let investigators trace the e-mail back.
It’s possible unless the sender is an experienced spammer and knows how to spooof addresses, and sometimes even then.
Death threats are illegal. I hope Baldwin did turn it over for police investigation.
I agree with Ridor on this one, there’s all this furor. And, she resigned rather than simply report this to the police and have them track down the snot-slurping slime who typed it.
There is not a lot of common sense going on at Gallaudet right now.
I second that comment about the lack of common sense at Gallaudet!
I just found this on Elisa’s blog. I hope the poster nor her mind me copying and pasting it here. I wonder what this will mean for the protests…
May 10, 2006
TO: Gallaudet Staff
FR: Staff Advisory Committee
RE: Results of SAC Poll and BoT Questions
The SAC poll received a total of 349 votes out of 815 staff (43%). THANK you to all who voted. Since we serve as an advisory group, we are not in a position to interpret the results.
The results are as follows:
Do you support the process that resulted in the selection of the 9th President of Gallaudet University?
YES – 40.5%
NO – 45%
No Opinion – 14%
Unanswered - .5%
Do you think it is time to move on and accept the choice of the 9th President?
YES – 52%
NO – 40%
No Opinion – 7%
Unanswered - 1%
We will share the results with the President and Board of Trustees.
The SAC just got an email from the Board of Trustees inviting us to meet with them tomorrow (Thursday) morning. The Board would like to talk about the future of Gallaudet. The SAC needs questions, ideas, and thoughts from the Gallaudet staff. Please reply to my email address with your questions and the SAC will share them with the Board. We will definitely clarify the issue of SAC’s position and role. Like with the prior meeting with the Board, we will pass the answers back to the staff community. We apologize for the short notice and truly appreciate your continued support and input.
Correction– “even if it was deleted”. I’m tired.