By Colleen Caverly
I sit here at 5:30 in the morning, unable to sleep. As a freshman at Gallaudet University, everything that has been going on is overwhelming; I get goose bumps just thinking about it. Part of me is extremely frustrated, the other part is excited. I look around Gallaudet now, students are full of life. But why am I frustrated?
I guess I’m getting sick of arguing with my mom all the time; I am trying to convince her that Gallaudet is where I need to be right now. She is one of those overprotective parents who constantly checks the Internet for the current Gallaudet protest updates. She is also one of those parents who have threatened to pull me out of school. My mom is thinking about my future.
My future.
What is going on here?
Gallaudet University is the place where I am supposed to strive, both educationally and socially. So far, socially, I am doing okay; but educationally…well, let’s just say that it is kind of hard to get an education when there are no classes. Like every other student, I am happy that I can sleep in and not have to worry about sitting through class. Student leaders are telling us to not go to our classes, that the school is not open until we say it is open.
But we do not control our grades. The only way we control our grades is by doing our homework and showing up for classes. I, like other students, feel guilty going to class when I know I could be fighting for something bigger than me. Yet I have to think about myself, and the consequences I could suffer if I didn’t go to class. Why am I being denied my right to be educated at my school of choice? Why do I have to worry about where I am going to be next semester, where my friends will be, and what this campus will look like?
I don’t want Dr. Jane Fernandes (JK) to be the next president as much as the next person, but really, is she the problem we need to attack right now? The way I see it, there are a whole bunch issues that need to be addressed; all of which have been approached, one way or another. What is going on at Gallaudet is like a huge river, built upon by many tributaries. JK is only a tributary. All of these problems started with the Board of Trustees, JK is their end-product that they are willing to stand behind through thick and thin. They will not let her resign.
This Blog will make my mother proud, she has effectively brainwashed me. In the midst of all the arguing we have had these past few days, she has said a few things that make sense. She told me that she feels that we should attack the BOT, rather than the individual. Compromise should occur, rather than radical behavior. The power of protest has been practiced too often. It didn’t work last may, why should it work now?
Where is the compromising and negotiating? When the student leaders finally had a chance to meet with some people that could help make a difference for the future of Gallaudet during a three-hour long meeting, finally making some progress, we had to take the protest to the next level. Why couldn’t we have stayed put for a while? Why couldn’t we wait to see where the negotiation would take us?
Realistic demands should be put on the table, something that the “other side” can give us. Both sides can stand strong; neither willing to back down. I want to see a win-win, not lose-lose solution. The win-win solution is to have an investigator come and research the presidential search process. The lose-lose situation is the Gallaudet shutdown because there is nothing for Gallaudet to run on, except to become the home of protesting students. I, personally, do not want to see the latter.
I don’t know, maybe JK really is breaking down; maybe the BOT really is starting to crumble. We are fighting and fighting strong. We are finally being heard. But how long will this last? What will happen when this fight continues through the next few months? What will happen in January?
Why can’t we be the initiator?
Let us be the first ones to step down. While some may think that is a sign of weakness, I prefer to look at it from an optimistic point of view, it could be a sign of strength and courage. It could show that we care about our future, not only as a community here at Gallaudet, but as individuals as well.
I want to see a better Gallaudet. But a better Gallaudet is not going to happen overnight. It is a long, slow, grueling process that needs to take place. I understand that some of you may read this and say that I don’t know what I’m talking about, that the protest is a last-resort course of action. Trust me, I know. I want us to win.
No matter what happens, I will always wear my Buff and Blue proudly. I will always say, “Unity For Gallaudet!” or as it is signed at the end of every rally: “Gallaudet. Unite. Same.”
Colleen Caverly was born and raised just north of Detroit, Michigan, and is currently a freshman at Gallaudet University (Class of 2010). She has not decided on a major yet, but she is leaning towards Deaf Studies.
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-I agree that you should be going to class if classes are still being held. You grades are still your responsibility.
-I am not in agreement that a compromise can be reached at this point. To be frank, I do not see any other solution other than Dr. Jane K. Fernandes submitting her resignation for the sake of peace.
-If anything, your blog entry lends credence to the fact that there is indeed a major crisis at Gallaudet right now that needs to be resolved ASAP.
Well written, but I don’t agree that we should step down first. Look what happened last May, IKJ thought they won since they left for the summer, then he announced “theres no crisis at Gallaudet University”
Great, and thoughtful comment. Your Mom should be proud of you. Well said Colleen.
JJ,
How day you say it is not your responsiblity. You are causing the student to loose her education. You are the ones who started the mess. I suggest you clean it up
I didn’t say it “wasn’t my responsibility”, I said that she should be going to class regardless of the protests as long as classes are still being held and that her grades were her responsibility.
Secondly, I had no hand in this mess…until about a week ago when I finally supported the protest. I am personally going down to D.C. this weekend in hopes that I’ll be another person to add to the “voice” asking for JKF to resign peacefully. I simply do not see any other way.
Do you have any suggestions on how to clean up the mess? I am out of ideas.
This mess needs to be settled ASAP so students like Colleen can get her education. I hope I can do my part in bringing a peaceful resolution to the problem.
As for the protest in whole, I am still not in agreement with many of the tactics, ideals, ideas, and etc…from BOTH sides. I am in agreement for resolving the issue ASAP and in agreement for asking JK to resign for the sake of peace in the deaf community at large.
Hmm..I can sympathize with the letter on not being able to get a quality education for the time being and being torn to want to join the protest. But, I must disagree wholeheartedly on one part that this protest must continue to where we must go. The path we wish not to travel is yet being travelled upon. We have no obvious directions implanted for us to follow, yet, we tread on step by step to our end destination.
It’s not a pretty sight to see our lives uprooted and experienceing the tug of push/pull. To support or not to support for diverse reasons. We have arrived, reluctantly. This is not an option we can stop whereas we have the world’s support. Yes, the world is listening.
I am from Michigan. I am not a student nor an alumni of Gally, but of NTID/RIT. I feel for these students/faculty/alumni as well as for the Gally administration. I remember my days as a student and remember the pride when frequenting visits to Gally as a student and as a faculty of Sunshine Too ~Theatre on Tour giving performances at MSSD. This should have never transpired or reached a point of feeling there is’no man’s return’…..We can’t stop the clock from ticking. It evolves and we evolve continously…
From reading the facts and following the protest as much as I can, I have come to conclusion that there was ample time months, even a year ago by NAD, by some DPN leaders, by the faculty, by the students, and alumni as well as the community. We have reached an impasse. We need to figure how the story ends.
Will it end with a disappointment? Will it end dramatically? Postively? Negatively? Once a resolution agreed by all of us can be reached, then we can begin normalcy in our lives back to our studies, occupation, and wherever we all came from: our homes abroad.
I would want to get the best education I can get in order to succeed in the world. Education is a means of an invaluable tool to reap where no man has gone. To dream further than the average individual. To feel capable and able to choose our unlimited pools of job opportunities. This all starts with Gally. Unfortunately, that’s where you are right now. Unfortunately, that is where you have the power to wield the direction of where education is going with the appointment of the University. Is this the way the world wants us to travel? What will benefit for all in the long run?
The quicker, the better. The united, the stronger, in a peaceful and proactive manner do we restore Gallaudet. It will not be an easy task for anyone involved. I can sense a lot of restructuring within and it will require a great deal of patience and energy.
You’re not wrong in how you feel about this. You’re entitled. Just follow your guts and do what you can at this point. Listen to your future. What is beckoning you at present?
Good luck!
Michelle
I realize that at this point, there is nothing we can do, but continue what we have been doing. All we can do is hope that it’ll end positively for us, and that major issues will be resolved soon.
And don’t get me wrong, I AM getting an education here; just not the kind I paid for. It’s amazing how much I’ve learned through this whole thing so far
and hey! I know you!..well, I know your brother :]
Smiles. Every experience we go through enables us to become a much more well-rounded person. Wiser, too. You’re well on your way to wherever you intend to go aside from Gallaudet. Good luck with your educational studies. True point about serious students who seek for education or to party.
I believe the same thing applies to all colleges abroad as my alma mater, NTID/RIT, I knew plenty who did just this or that. It’s the latter who choose to make something out of themselves. Our individuality and our sense of independence/identity in college.
Keep up :o) Yes, TJ is my brother :o)
~Michelle (Deaf, indeed, is a small world!)
I have renewed faith in the Deaf world when I see Michelle and Colleen write about moderation. No one wins here if GU is damaged.
See and help us work for peace.
Dear “Missed the Moment”
I’m glad your faith is renewed. I’m only going to keep on trudging forward and helping in any way I can from up here. :o) I, too, have a renewed sense of hope.
~Michelle
Dear Colleen,
No matter what distracts you, you are still responsible for your actions including doing your homework, studying for exam, learning and understanding the materials, and etc.
Second of all, trust highly recognized elder people in their open letters:
Frank Turk
Dr. Robert Davila
Jack and Rosalyn Gannon
Michael A. Schwartz
Merv Garretson
Jim Mcfadden
Beth Beth Scoggins
Father Thomas Coughlin
Donalda Ammons
and more!
Do you know what they have done for the Deaf community over the years? Again, trust them.
Best Regards,
An Ordinary Individual
I hope that you will be able to keep up with your studies! I know it is difficult right now to balance your responsiblities between the two, but I know you can do it.
I believe you can support the protest and go to classes. If you feel that the protest is taking over yoru class time, you are entitled to take a break for a day or so to focus on studies (just as Noah did). You have the RIGHT to do so.
That said, the protest is an incredible experience for you. I envy you for having this experience. I do feel that FSSA is on the right side of history here and we will see this unfold in a positive way, eventually.
I am thrilled to see a sensible solution and suggestion made by a student and a freshmen at that. Wonderful blog and thanks for standing up for yourself and others.
Pretty words by the peanut gallery all about students being responsible for their actions…
But…
What about that oh-so-inspiring rally yesterday where a student leader held a “How to Distract Your Professor So S/He Will Cancel Class” workshop? He pretty much describes how to be a jerk in your class and then if your professor asks you to leave, to refuse.
What’s up with that kind of behavior?
That brings me to my next question - I’m almost afraid of the rage I’m seeing in most of these protesters. They are pissed and they want vengeance. Why else would the negotiations have fallen apart? Too many people want to be the leader because of some wrong done against them in their lives. Why is it ok to spit on a child (regardless of whose grandchild the kid was), to beat on a school bus as it drives by, to advise students to refuse to go to class, or if they go to class, to act like a bunch of ********?
The biggest difference between DPN and now (there isn’t even a comparision) is that DPN was truly peaceful. This isn’t a peaceful protest. This is all about vitriol and who can bleed the most.
Too many people want to play God and when they don’t get to, they throw a temper tantrum. This includes everyone in this whole freaking mess (as McConnell so nicely puts it - “This is everybody’s mess”).
Student Responsibility?,
Quick question- I wasn’t there 18 years ago, but didn’t they surround the campus with buses at each gate and lock the campus down? The only difference between this protest and DPN in re. to ‘violence’ is that the President ordered students arrested.
And being there Friday night I can tell you that they were just sitting there, although the guy in the wheelchair they arrested did look pretty threatening. I mean, his hands were going all over the place.
The rage you’re seeing in MOST of these protestors? I have pictures, I have my eyes, there’s tons of video, I have no clue what you’re talking about. The next time you’re around I’d love to stand next to you and see if we see the same thing. Or even if we’re at the same protest.
If one person does something stupid, he should be dealt with individually.
Yeah? What about the spitter? Was s/he “dealt with”? How about disrupting classes per a student leader’s instructions? Dealt with? The people who vandalized SUB? Was that “dealt with”? None of these actions have been “dealt with” by any of the student leaders. Why is it ok for the dissenters to behave abominably but it’s the admin’s fault? Is it a matter of “If only the admin had done this, then I wouldn’t behave like that.” Is that what you’re saying?
No, my impression is that the individual student should be dealt with. Who says they haven’t been deal with? How do you know they haven’t gotten a good verbal beat-down for what they did? Seeing how professionally they handled the arrests, I see that they are learning from mistakes and individual students are reining in their baser impulses.
As for disrupting classes, you’re the only person who said anything about it. I’ve heard nothing about it.
Student Responsibility,
You were there, right? I mean, you saw the spitter, right? You tell us, were they dealt with? Or was this just a story you heard.
I wasn’t in the SUB when it was vandalized, I haven’t been in the SUB, and I haven’t seen official reports of it being vandalized, therefore, I don’t know if it was dealt with.
I’m not a student at Gallaudet, haven’t heard of anyone disrputing a class, but if they do, I’d love to hear how it’s dealt with.
Several cases of beer were brought to the protest one evening last week, and several student leaders said “No. Get them out of here.” So that was dealt with.
As for abominable acts or behavior, I’ve yet to personally witness any.
Although I am continually disappointed by JKF’s continuing statement “I am the one that can unite Gallaudet.”
Which I happen to agree with. She can unite them if she steps down.
I guess throwing juice/water in the direction at IKJ doesn’t count during the building dedication ceremony.
that incidence was an embarassment! I felt that that entire day was out of line. While I disagree with the naming of the two buildings, that was supposed to be IKJ’s day, and it was ruined.
Not only that, but the vandalizing the Student Academic Center by tearing down the letters to the name “I. King Jordan” on the building at the entrance.
McConnell, that ‘pouring of the juice’ was assault, and it should have been handled accordingly.
David, it’s “battery”, not assault since assault is the threat of violence and battery is the actual physical violence.
false. assault IS to make a physical attack. check ur dictionary.
No, Ben. You have to think in the context of criminal law. I am still right. You are, however, wrong. You, check the *law* dictionary next time.
http://www.expertlaw.com/libra.....ttery.html
In the context of criminal law, “assault and battery” are typically components of a single offense. In tort law, “assault” and “battery” are separate, with an assault being an act which creates fear of an imminent battery, and the battery being an unlawful touching. Assault and battery are intentional torts, meaning that the defendant actually intends to put the plaintiff in fear of being battered, or intends to wrongfully touch the plaintiff. The wrongful touching need not inflict physical injury, and may be indirect (such as contact through a thrown stone, or spitting). This article describes the law of assault and battery as it is commonly applied, although the law may vary in any specific jurisdiction.
Assault
An assault invoves:
1.An intentional, unlawful threat or “offer” to cause bodily injury to another by force;
2.Under circumstances which create in the other person a well-founded fear of imminent peril;
3.Where there exists the apparent present ability to carry out the act if not prevented.
Note that an assault can be completed even if there is no actual contact with the plaintiff, and even if the defendant had no actual ability to carry out the apparent threat. For example, a defendant who points a realistic toy gun at the plaintiff may be liable for assault, even though the defendant was fifty feet away from the plaintiff and had no actual ability to inflict harm from that distance.
Battery
A battery is the willful or intentional touching of a person against that person’s will by another person, or by an object or substance put in motion by that other person. Please note that an offensive touching can constitute a battery even if it does not cause injury, and could not reasonably be expected to cause injury. A defendant who emphatically pokes the plaintiff in the chest with his index finger to emphasize a point may be culpable for battery (although the damages award that results may well be nominal). A defendant who spits on a plaintiff, even though there is little chance that the spitting will cause any injury other than to the plaintiff’s dignity, has committed a battery.
http://www.expertlaw.com/libra.....ttery.html
Before anyone say something, check your source first! Man! To post a defintion here is crazy!!!!!! You should know what the meaning of Battery, Assault,threats Vandalized… I have to say $50.00 fee to arrest protester is so cheap!
McConnell is correct. People often confuse the LEGAL terms “battery” and “assault.
You mean SOME deaf people get confused between those two vocabulary? I hear battery and assault on tv all the times… but battery and assault isn’t the main point on campus… battery applies to women mostly… assault is on everyone… you should know the difference if you have a domestic violence center on campus… i have one at my college… unless David meant Abuse, do I have to explain? abuse is either rape or sexual ASSAULT!
McConnell, you are very much correct, and I apologize for using the much more common term assault.
In all my experience in the legal system and law enforcement, I’ve never been taken to task for using the term assault instead of A&B, or assault and battery.
Good eye though, I commend you.
No, that would battery if it comes to the actual physical rape. You have to look at the language of criminal law on “assault” and “battery”. Assault is the intent to cause harm. Battery is the actual physical contact. The two usually come together if a battery occurs, hence we hear “assault and battery.” It’s a progression from an intent to actually doing it. So, you get two charges.
http://www.google.com/search?h.....pe+charged
Your welcome, David.
“You’re” welcome…sheesh…where’s the editing feature?
mcconnell, Rape are battery. Have you heard the expression, “he tried to rape me?” meaning an intention to cause sexual assault Its an attack on an area that is off limits… Battery is more related to physical harm inflicting physical abuse, hitting punching, brusing.. so when you see a police report saying battery and assault, one is for physical and other is intention to cause harm… Then there is type of assault to be reported Rape is an assault not battery whereas sexual assault is also assault not battery…
I must be tired!!!! Let me rephrase this… Rape are not battery!!!
Rape IS battery if the person acts upon it by the action of touching the person with the intent to rape. It is an insult to others who have been raped or nearly so and not call it a battery. It is in the purest of definition that rape is a battery charge. All one has to do is touch the person with the intent to rape and cause harm, that is called “battery”. Saying to the effect that “I will rape you” is called an “assualt” but the moment the guy puts his grubby hands on the woman, it is by criminal definition in the eyes of the court called “battery.” And it is still called a battery if the guy actually go through the complete rape process. Please reread the paragraph and link that I provided for you below. It comes from a criminal law office explaining the differences between “assault” and “battery.” And often you hear “sexual battery.” And then you also hear “sexual assault”. As for “battery” it applies to anyone who was physically attacked. Not just women.
http://72.14.253.104/search?q=.....k&cd=1
“In the context of criminal law, “assault and battery” are typically components of a single offense. In tort law, “assault” and “battery” are separate, with an assault being an act which creates fear of an imminent battery, and the battery being an unlawful touching. Assault and battery are intentional torts, meaning that the defendant actually intends to put the plaintiff in fear of being battered, or intends to wrongfully touch the plaintiff. The wrongful touching need not inflict physical injury, and may be indirect (such as contact through a thrown stone, or spitting). This article describes the law of assault and battery as it is commonly applied, although the law may vary in any specific jurisdiction.”
Students have been blamed for many acts of vandalism.
two that come off the top of my head are:
“damage” that has been done to the second floor of College Hall…a manure incidence (which was in fact, only Earth Juice that had been sprayed on campus the first day of tent city)
and the “damage” that had been done at HMB…however, the only damage that the students are aware of is the damage that DPS did when they broke in Friday morning…wow, almost two weeks ago now?
Can someone else either confirm or clear up whether or not there really was a workshop or teach-in by protesters that included the topic: “How to Distract Your Professor So S/He Will Cancel Class”
Colleen,
I’m also from north of Detroit, and I’m sorry to say I’ve never met you.
I think what you’ve presented here is awesome, showing the plight of the student at Gally today. I’ve heard many people say that Gally admin needs to be hit in the pocket book, that Gally needs to suffer financially from students that withdraw. But, what are your options Colleen?
Truly, as part of the peace process it’d be nice if SOMEONE would take the first step. I’m not sure who that will be.
I’ve definitely heard of you. I was reading a blog that you had written earlier this week (I happen to think Joyce Thompson is an awesome teacher, by the way!) and your name sounded really familiar. I asked around, I know who you are somehow :-)
Colleen, if it was good that you heard, it’s definitely me. If it was bad, I blame it all on my twin brother John. ;)
She may be a good teacher, and I’ve never really sat down and talked to her. But, wow, I don’t think she can sign for crap. And I’ve seen her carry a spoken conversation, no signing, with 10 or so Deaf people around, if not more, and she was discussing something about their school. That alienates alot of people, and doesn’t allow them access to the communication and information.
When I was laid off from the Detroit Police Department, I made a conscious decision to get re-involved with the Deaf community. This isn’t something I chose to do in shifts, only when working, or only when teaching. But every time there’s a Deaf person around, if I’m in conversation I do my best to sign. Now sometimes I slip, in hindsight, I did last night at the PH. But my friends, from time to time take me to task on it, and even folks I don’t know are welcome to.
I could go on and on…
Me using Joyce Thompson was a bit unfair- at least to single her out, but every time I stepped into a BH School I’d see alot of unsigned conversation go on. So you’d see hearing kids in this mainstreamed school that would have access to conversations that the Deaf kids didn’t have access to.
And I was very disappointed when I saw this at Gallaudet. Gally wasn’t supposed to be a mainstreamed school, but it seems I was wrong…
I do agree with you about BH schools…a lot of teachers have conversations without signing, and its frustrating. From what I remember, I never had Mrs. Thompson, but I thought she was pretty good…if you were talking about Mrs. Heller (who FINALLY movied to Bloomfield Middle School or something like that…ORAL program) then I’d be more than happy to agree with you!!!
When I first came here to Gallaudet I thought I was going to have totally complete access to everything. Yeah, definitely not. I know that some people try, others don’t. Fact of life I guess. YAY this is one of the issues that is being brought up in this entire protest :-) down with audism!
You might not be aware that two weeks ago the Board of Trustees agreed to investigate the search with an outside neutral investigative team. The FSSA refused this offer saying that it came “too late” because of an arbitrary deadline they had set. It’s a great idea. I’m sorry the protesters preferred to disrupt education at Gallaudet instead.
Thats the most frustrating part: if the BOT and the protesters listened and communicated with eachother from the very beginning, we wouldn’t be in this rut right now.
If the old guard deafs still deleting my posts on the blogs my attacks on them will be harder on the vlogs.
Then they’ll have to all run scared! and hide from you!
With due respect, David. I want to clarify that you perceived one of the student protestor in wheelchair. He have the name!!!
I know this person, who happen to be very sweet-natured and likeable and non-threatening. I spend considerable time with him for 2 weeks.
I was there all Friday night. I did not see the student protestor in wheelchair displayed threatening behavior.
I want the proof from video enclosure if you have on this student protestor. Thanks!
Robert L. Mason (RLM)
RLM,
Very nice to see you come to someone’s defense for once. I actually think David was being sarcastic and using Joe’s wheelchair to emphasize the point that the protesters aren’t violent.
Way to go, David. Nice example.
Sorry RLM, I was being VERY sarcastic. I spoke with him again on Sunday and he is indeed a very likeable guy.
Colleen, thank you for the most clear-headed perspective yet seen of this whole controversy. I pray God will bless your studies.
Richard Roehem, I am a staunch believer in the freedom of speech and expression. I am partially linked with numerous civil liberties organizations.
What name of blogs or e-discussion forums your blog postings have been unjustifly deleted, please.
One thing for now, we really need to resolve the whole Gallaudet standoff with rational and reputable meditators.
I am really sick of the ongoing Gallaudet standoff - endless soap opera. IKj and his cronies and JK seems playing the Gally protest like a chess game. Enuff schemes and manuevers from the Gallaudet university adminstration.
The time for IKJ and JK LISTENING to the concerns of Gallaudet University community.
Why can’t you enclose your vlogs on your own????
Robert L. Mason (RLM)
*Scratching my head*
Excuse me…errr….ummmm…. “PARTIALLY” linked (to numerous civil liberties organizations)???
How so?
You either are either linked with them FULLY or not…NOT just “partially”. Its one or the other.
I just say that I am well-connected with numerous civil liberties organizations. I have friends and colleagues on professional level.
I personally have been partial involved with the People for the American Way back to the 80s when come to the issue of academic censorship.
I usually keep networking with other civil liberties organizations. I happen to be in the same social and professional circle within those organizations.
I hope that I do answer your Q’s, Aquafina.
I think that the protesters need to step down. They’re not winning any friends in the outside community that I’ve seen.
But firstly and most importantly, the protesters have been unable to marshal any convincing arguments to the Board of Trustees, the ultimate power at Gallaudet, that Fernandes needs to step down. The BOT appears to believe that Fernandes is the right person to lead Gallaudet in the 21st century and, judging from her comments, she does appear to have a vision. From what I have seen, the protesters do not appear to have a coherent vision other than maintaining the status quo. They have not addressed, for example, the dismal graduation rates, nor has the faculty addressed its own responsibility in such an abysmal education.
Until everyone faces up to their responsibility, there will be a continued standoff, and who do you think will suffer? Why, the students themselves, of course. I can imagine the protests lasting until winter break. Can you think of taking final exams for classes you haven’t even bothered to attend?
The protesters are creating friends with people outside of the Gallaudet Community; just look at all the Tent Cities that have been established. I’m happy to say that Michigan is finally setting one up on Saturday :-)
However, the hearing population, I’m not exactly sure how aware they are of the entire thing; but there has been a lot of support from the people in this general area. But, we do not hold the power to be able to change this; the BOT and administration are the ones who have complete control over what happens on this campus.
There are some statistics shown about JK’s leadership at both Kendall and MSSD and how grades dropped, graduation rates dropped, etc. I’ll find out what source I got that from and get back to you on that.
I’m sure the protesting students have won friends, but they’ve certainly also made a health share of folks think much less of them and the institution as a whole. I say that as a professor (elsewhere, as someone who is entirely for free and critical speech, and as someone who is for students pushing to increase their power in university governance. This has gone beyond nonviolent protest, free speech, and constructive debate, and has devolved into petty thuggery and physical coercion and harassment by students.
As I see it, the President of Gallaudet didn’t escalate things when he eventually turned to asking the police to carry out the arrests. That line had already been crossed, and it was students, not the administration, who took things out of the realm of reasoned debate and civil protest and who brought things to a level of force, coercion, and harassment.
Well Move On, you may have spoken too soon.
Washington Post says that JKF’s support by the BoT is shaken, at best.
Interesting to see how it plays out from here.
This conflict is a tragedy that is in danger of veering into a farce.
Hmm. Yes, that should prove to be very interesting. I found this comment by JKF quoted in the Washington Post in particular, VERY interesting:
If she were asked to leave or be fired, the e-mail also said, “the University and in particular the Board of Trustees will undergo intense scrutiny from Congress. I venture to guess Congress will ask why you did not perform your fiduciary duties to the University. And you will have to explain.”
And she’s right. Congress will demand explanations about this, and why should they continue funding Gallaudet, if/when JKF resigns or is forced out.
I have a feeling that the ending to this whole protest isn’t going to be what we all expect…
~ Deaf Pundit
A control board imposed on Gallaudet? Who will be our version of Andrew Brimmer?
Exactly….I have the same gut feeling. It will not be exactly a “happy ever-after ending…” The message is cryptic and it does lead me to question with many questions that may eventually be answered/unanswered.
~Michelle
p.s. Nice to see you’re alive and kicking in Gally (David)
I have only recently been following the events at the university but I have to say, I’m tired of this already. As a political junkie I like good protests. As an honest American, I like to see people stand up for what they believe in, but the time has come for this to end.
The voices I hear/read here are those who shout at protests and then go home. Until you can say you brought something to the table other than some additional decibels you’re not a fighter, you’re a cheerleader.
Ms. Caverly has come forward as a voice of reason, someone willing to work for a solution…are the protestor with their dramatic gestures of arrest and cries of persecution as serious about solutions?
The world is continuing. Finals are coming. If you want to make a statement and improve your university then boost its graduation rate by getting back to class.
The arguement against that last paragraph would be; “there is no way for this university to improve under the leadership of Dr. Fernandes.”
Also, what leaders do you speak of that “shout at protests and then go home”? I feel that the FSSA leaders are very strong leaders and I respect them as individuals. The people I have a problem with are the ones who are radical protesters who speak in volumes and not make any sense. Those are the people I don’t listen to.
thanks for mentioning how important is negotiating skills are needed. I am in favor of negotiating for a win-win situation and be able to maintain one’s own studies. I believe the protest is about restoring a healthy environment which has been lacking on campus for a long time. Like Dr. Gina Oliva at Gallaudet said in her letter to the editor (to Washington Times), The protest at Gallaudet has been a long time coming, I can’t blame them even though I do not share the same tactics myself. I’m not trying to publicizing my own blog but I’d suggest you folks read my posting, “Taking Back the Destiny” at http://www.theartfuleye.blogspot.com
Right. The protest that is happening here right now is fighting for something that needs to happen. Times are changing and we need to adjust to that change. It took a long time to get to this stage, and it will take a long time to change and heal. What is going on right now has caused so much damage that the students, staff, faculty and alumni need to continue; but should do so in a less energy-consuming matter, because there’s a long journey ahead of us.
A very nice post, Colleen. Like Wildstarryskies I’m envious of you being a student during this. Only one protest I do remember from my time was when David Simmons (If I recall his name - the elder of Simmons siblings) organized an ASL rally for Gallaudet to recognize ASL as official language to teach in. King made a statement blah blah so the ASL rally faltered a bit. Very polarizing.
I’d like to see more Hermiones standing up against Professor Umbridge..
Wonderful Harry Potter reference! ;-)
Its really exciting to be here during this time. YOU SHOULD COME VISIT! the more, the merrier!
Need inspiration? Read “Order of the Phoenix”. I read the book and I see JK, AKA Umbridge, running around Hogwarts. I see her banging on the door of the Headmaster’s office, that won’t open for her. I see Harry using the pen, “I shall not tell lies”, I see Umbridge sitting in the classrooms, taking notes, her MBI techniques. I read about how at first everybody doubted Harry, and then finally they believed him because the full story out.
I laughed out loud at the part where the Weasley brothers pull a huge prank which results in Umbridge running from Hogwarts, screaming at the top of her lungs.
Ah, it really is a stress reliever ;).
That would be the “ASL Now” student movement back to the Fall 1994 led by David Simmons and other student leaders.
“ASL Now” movement faltered due to the lack of momenteum build-ups and effective student recruitment for the