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National Deaf Life Museum
History
The Deaf President Now (DPN) Protest
Chapel Hall S400
(202) 250-2235
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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.
The Issues
A day-by-day chronology of events:
Profiles & Viewpoints
Brief biographies of key individuals involved in the protest and personal accounts
Impact
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
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.
Resource Type: History
Explore how Vice President George Bush publicly supported the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement, marking a pivotal moment in the history of Gallaudet University.
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.
Explore the week of the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest at Gallaudet University, a pivotal moment in Deaf history advocating for leadership and representation.
Explore the key issues surrounding the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest at Gallaudet University, a pivotal moment in deaf history and advocacy for equality.
Resource Type: Program Information
Explore the profound impact of the Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University, a pivotal moment in deaf history advocating for leadership and inclusion.
Discover Senator Tom Harkin's powerful open letter addressing Gallaudet's community during the historic Deaf President Now protest, advocating for change and inclusion.
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.
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.
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!
Explore inspiring quotes about the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest, highlighting the voices and determination that shaped a pivotal moment in Deaf history.
Explore the history of the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest and learn about the President's Council on Deafness at Gallaudet University’s museum.
Explore the impactful journey of Jane Bassett Spilman, former chair of Gallaudet's Board of Trustees, during the Deaf President Now protest. Learn more!
Explore the pivotal role of Elisabeth Zinser during the Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University. Discover her impact on deaf advocacy and leadership.
Explore the legacy of Philip Bravin, '66, Chair of the Presidential Search Committee during the pivotal Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University.
Explore the letters of support for Gallaudet students during the historic Deaf President Now protest, highlighting community solidarity and advocacy for change.
Explore Senator Lowell Weicker's pivotal letter on the Deaf President Now protest at Gallaudet University, highlighting its impact on deaf rights and leadership.
Explore the powerful letter of support from Rev. Jesse Jackson during the Deaf President Now protest, a pivotal moment in Gallaudet University's history.
Explore Congresswoman Pat Schroeder's impactful letter advocating for a Deaf president at Gallaudet University during the historic DPN protest. Learn more!
Discover the impactful story of Jerry C. Lee's resignation as Gallaudet University president after three years, amid the historic Deaf President Now protest.
Explore firsthand accounts from students who experienced the DPN protest at Gallaudet University, highlighting the historic impact of the Deaf President Now movement.
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.
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.
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.
Explore the pivotal events leading up to the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest at Gallaudet University. Discover how history shaped deaf activism and leadership.
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.
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.
Explore the powerful stories and perspectives from the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest at Gallaudet University, highlighting its impact on deaf advocacy and leadership.
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.
Explore essential resources about the Deaf President Now (DPN) protest at Gallaudet University, a pivotal moment in Deaf history advocating for leadership and rights.
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.