Gallaudet protests shut down school
Student protesters at Gallaudet University have shut down all entrances to the school, effectively shutting down the entire campus for two days. Several days ago, sudents had taken over the main classroom building, but decided to shut down the school when incoming president, Jane Fernandes did not meet with them. Some faculty members have been allowed on campus for meetings, but have been guided by student protesters to certain areas, and watched closely to make sure that they don’t try to sneak off to their offices.
Students say that the protest is because of the selection of Mrs. Fernandes, the former provost, by the school Board of Trustees, as incoming president. They feel that she would not be fit for the position because she is perceived as cold, aloof, and disrespectful to students. They are also angry that the Board of Trustees completed the selection process rather quicly, and passed over several strong candidates, including an African American who had been the Board chair for quite a while. Students also feel that the Board of Trustees have been dismissive of them and their concerns. Detracters say that this is about nothing more than deaf identity politics. The students are demanding the resignation of Mrs. Fernandes, and the appointment of an independent agency to conduct the selection of a new president.
Police have been at the campus for a few days now, but there have been no arrests. Protest leaders were told by the police that the campus had to be reopened. Though the leaders agreed to open one entrance, when they went out to do this, the students blocking the gate at that entrance refused to leave, and the police went away.
A school official told the protesting students that Jane Fernandes would meet with them when they ceased holding the school hostage. The remark was met by jeers. Outgoing president, I. King Jordan told the students that they had the right to protest, but not to stop education. An elementary and high school for children who are deaf, also located on the university campus, has been closed as well, due to protests.
The students have been preparing themselves for arrest, practicing passive resistance tactics such as linking arms and going limp. They have been advised never to touch a police officer, even to get his or her attention. Arrests seem unlikely, though. Police superintendent Charles Ramsey feels that the protest is a Gallaudet issue, and that their role is only to monitor the situation. No arrests will be made unless there is property damage, or someone’s personal safety is at risk.
I’ll keep you posted…