About – Deaf President Now
In March 1988, Gallaudet University experienced a watershed event that led to the appointment of the 124-year-old university’s first deaf president.
Since then, Deaf President Now (DPN) has become synonymous with self-determination and empowerment for deaf and hard of hearing people everywhere.
A day-by-day chronology of events:
Brief biographies of key individuals involved in the protest and personal accounts
How DPN affected deaf and hearing people around the world
This website was initially created as part of the 10- and 15-year celebrations of DPN. Much has changed at Gallaudet University and for the deaf community around the world since DPN. The content has been lightly updated for the 25-year celebration but for the most part remains a snapshot of the events of March 1988.
Photo credits: Yoon K. Lee, Chun Louie and Ken Kurlychek
History
Discover the rich history of Gallaudet University through its museum. Explore exhibits that celebrate Deaf culture, heritage, and the evolution of education for the Deaf.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Vice President George Bush proclaims his support for DPN
Explore how Vice President George Bush publicly supported the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Gallaudet University.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Tim Rarus, ’88, most experienced of the “Gallaudet four”
Discover Tim Rarus, a key figure in the Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University. Explore his journey and impact in this compelling historical account.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
The Week of DPN
Explore the week of the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest at Gallaudet University, a pivotal moment in Deaf history advocating for leadership and representation.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
The Issues
Explore the key issues surrounding the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest at Gallaudet University, a pivotal moment in deaf history and advocacy for equality.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: Program Information
The impact of the Deaf President Now protest
Explore the profound impact of the Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University, a pivotal moment in deaf history advocating for leadership and inclusion.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Senator Tom Harkin’s open letter to Gallaudet students, faculty, administrators and board of trustees
Discover Senator Tom Harkin's powerful open letter addressing Gallaudet's community during the historic Deaf President Now protest, advocating for change and inclusion.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Senator Paul Simon writes to Greg Hlibok
Explore Senator Paul Simon's impactful letter to Greg Hlibok during the Deaf President Now protest, highlighting the fight for deaf leadership at Gallaudet University.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Senator Bob Graham’s message to the board
Explore Senator Bob Graham's powerful message to the Gallaudet University Board during the historic Deaf President Now (DPN) protest. Learn more about this pivotal moment.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Senator Bob Dole on why Gallaudet should have a Deaf president
Discover Senator Bob Dole's insights on the importance of Gallaudet University having a Deaf president during the pivotal DPN protest. Explore the history now!
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Quotes about the DPN protest worth sharing
Explore inspiring quotes about the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest, highlighting the voices and determination that shaped a pivotal moment in Deaf history.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
President’s Council on Deafness
Explore the history of the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest and learn about the President's Council on Deafness at Gallaudet University’s museum.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Profile of Jane Bassett Spilman, former chair of the Board of Trustees
Explore the impactful journey of Jane Bassett Spilman, former chair of Gallaudet's Board of Trustees, during the Deaf President Now protest. Learn more!
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Profile of Gallaudet President Elisabeth Zinser
Explore the pivotal role of Elisabeth Zinser during the Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University. Discover her impact on deaf advocacy and leadership.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Philip Bravin, ’66, chair of the presidential search committee
Explore the legacy of Philip Bravin, '66, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee during the pivotal Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Letters of support come in for Gallaudet students before and during DPN
Explore the letters of support for Gallaudet students during the historic Deaf President Now protest, highlighting community solidarity and advocacy for change.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Letter from Senator Lowell Weicker
Explore Senator Lowell Weicker's pivotal letter on the Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University, highlighting its impact on deaf rights and leadership.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Letter of support from the Rev. Jesse Jackson
Explore the powerful letter of support from Rev. Jesse Jackson during the Deaf President Now protest, a pivotal moment in Gallaudet University's history.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Letter from Congresswoman Pat Schroeder, advocating for a Deaf president
Explore Congresswoman Pat Schroeder's impactful letter advocating for a Deaf president at Gallaudet University during the historic DPN protest. Learn more!
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Jerry C. Lee resigns as Gallaudet president after only three years
Discover the impactful story of Jerry C. Lee's resignation as Gallaudet University president after three years, amid the historic Deaf President Now protest.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
In Their Own Words: Students remember the day DPN shut the Gallaudet campus down
Explore firsthand accounts from students who experienced the DPN protest at Gallaudet University, highlighting the historic impact of the Deaf President Now movement.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
I. King Jordan’s account of the DPN protest
Explore I. King Jordan's firsthand account of the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest at Gallaudet University, a pivotal moment in deaf history and advocacy.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Impassioned speaker Gerald “Jerry” Covell, ’89
Explore the inspiring journey of Gerald "Jerry" Covell, a key figure in the Deaf President Now protest, and his impact on the Gallaudet University community.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Greg Hlibok, ’90, elected president of the Student Body Government one day before the protest
Discover how Greg Hlibok, elected president of Gallaudet's student body just before the Deaf President Now protest, played a pivotal role in this historic movement.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Events leading up to DPN
Explore the pivotal events leading up to the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest at Gallaudet University. Discover how history shaped deaf activism and leadership.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Documents related to the 1988 DPN protest
Explore key documents from the 1988 Deaf President Now (DPN) protest at Gallaudet University, a pivotal moment in Deaf history advocating for leadership and rights.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
DPN 25th Anniversary Program Schedule
Explore the DPN 25th Anniversary Program at Gallaudet University. Join us in celebrating the historic Deaf President Now protest and its impact on the Deaf community.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Deaf President Now: Profiles and viewpoints
Explore the powerful stories and perspectives from the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest at Gallaudet University, highlighting its impact on deaf advocacy and leadership.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Bio of DPN student activist Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, ’89
Discover the inspiring journey of Bridgetta Bourne Firl, a key student activist in the Deaf President Now protest, and her impact on Gallaudet University's history.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Additional Resources About the DPN Protest
Explore essential resources about the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest at Gallaudet University, a pivotal moment in Deaf history advocating for leadership and rights.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
2013 Panel Discussion on the History of Women Leaders at Gallaudet
Join us for a panel discussion on the influential women leaders at Gallaudet University, exploring their roles in the Deaf President Now protest and beyond.
National Deaf Life MuseumResource Type: History
Contact
- National Deaf Life Museum
- Chapel Hall | S400
- click to show email
- (202) 250-2235
