Our Open Letter sent May 2006

OPEN LETTER TO THE GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES

SUBJECT: Gallaudet University Protest May 1, 2006 to present

FROM: Concerned Gallaudetians
Olathe/Overland Park, Kansas

TO: Brenda Brueggerman, Interim Chair
Gallaudet University Board of Trustees (BoT)

On May 1, 2006, the announcement of Dr. Jane K. Fernandes as the 9th President of Gallaudet University rocked not only the deaf community in Olathe/Overland Park, Kansas, but the whole nation and world, as well. Some of us, the Kaw Valley (Kansas) GUAA members, have been watching the protest closely through the media and communication technology. With no results between the BoT and the faculty, staff, students, and alumni (FSSA), and the FSSA’s determination to continue the protest throughout the summer into the fall, we are deeply concerned that this matter has not been resolved to each group’s satisfaction.

It appears to us that Gallaudet University is about to experience the possible fracturing of the whole under the scrutiny of the media in general, the persistence of each party involved, divisiveness, and lack of trust. In addition, a strong vote of “no confidence” against Dr. Fernandes by the faculty indicates, to us, the severity of the situation between the parties at Gallaudet. There is also a concern among some of us, the Kaw Valley GUAA members, that our future generations, whether they be from the residential schools for the deaf, mainstream programs, or public schools across the country and the world, may choose to attend the universities other than Gallaudet to pursue their dreams should the BoT disregard the FSSA’s requests. If that is the case, then Gallaudet will not be what it used to be. It is very imperative that Gallaudet remains as the beacon of hope for the deaf community locally, nationally, and internationally.

As some Gallaudetians who care for the future of the University itself, we strongly urge, or should we say…plead, that you and the BoT reconsider FSSA’s requests which are:

1. The Board re-opens the presidential search process, ensuring equitable processes that support diversity and social justice for all.

2. Some of us are not satisfied with the reprisals suggested in the May 19, 2006, memorandum from the BoT which stated, “Neither the Board nor the president nor the president-select will tolerate any reprisals for anyone who has voiced their opinions in protest or support, on campus or in the community, in writing (electronic or paper) or through direct conversations during the presidential search process and the weeks between the announcement of Dr. Fernandes’ appointment and Commencement.” We are asking on behalf of FSSA that no reprisals are made against any of the faculty, staff, students, and alumni involved in this ongoing protest with no time limit.

We beseechingly ask that you and the BoT rectify the situation in the best interests of the University as soon as possible without any delay before its reputation as THE University for the deaf and hard of hearing students may be irreparably damaged. Additionally, we need to return to normalcy, move on with our lives, and begin our process in healing.

Thank you.