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Protesters Renew Fight Over Choice Of President - washingtonpost.com
Last spring, when protesters took their tents down from Gallaudet University's grounds after graduation, they posted signs: We'll be back.
This week, they once again pitched tents and signs to tell the board of trustees, meeting tomorrow and Friday, that they're still angry about the incoming president and the way she was chosen. Some students and faculty walked out of classes yesterday, demanding that the presidential search be reopened and that there be no reprisals against protesters.
"For most people on campus, nothing's really changed since May," said professor Richard Lytle, a member of the coalition of student, faculty, staff and alumni protesters.
After then-Provost Jane K. Fernandes was named in May to become president of the school for the deaf, students swarmed to the front gates and camped there for two weeks. Protesters said that the search process to replace longtime President I. King Jordan was unfair, that there should have been more emphasis on diversity and that Fernandes wouldn't be an effective leader for an institution that has been a cultural center as well as a school.
Board members have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to Fernandes, who they said was clearly the strongest candidate. Fernandes will become president in January. Fernandes and Jordan have said that the protesters are angry about deaf identity politics.
In an e-mail, Gallaudet spokeswoman Mercy Coogan said the administration recognizes and respects the rights of those questioning the board's choice. "At the same time, we expect them to respect the rights of those students, faculty and staff who hold different opinions, who support Dr. Fernandes and who would like to work with us to move forward together."
There is still a huge polarization on campus, said faculty Chairman Mark Weinberg. "People are angry on both sides."
Many said that they are fed up with the board, that trustees have been unresponsive. And they have complained that new rules limiting on-campus protests are stifling their rights.
Others complained that it's time to move on, that they are happy with the selection of Fernandes, see increased efforts by the board to listen to concerns or are dismayed by the divisions they see widening at the school.
A faculty report submitted to the board began by expressing dismay at what it said was a dismissive attitude from trustees.
And tents once again colored the lawn in front the main gates yesterday, with such signs as "We won't move on 'til our 2 demands are met."
Last spring, when protesters took their tents down from Gallaudet University's grounds after graduation, they posted signs: We'll be back.
This week, they once again pitched tents and signs to tell the board of trustees, meeting tomorrow and Friday, that they're still angry about the incoming president and the way she was chosen. Some students and faculty walked out of classes yesterday, demanding that the presidential search be reopened and that there be no reprisals against protesters.
"For most people on campus, nothing's really changed since May," said professor Richard Lytle, a member of the coalition of student, faculty, staff and alumni protesters.
After then-Provost Jane K. Fernandes was named in May to become president of the school for the deaf, students swarmed to the front gates and camped there for two weeks. Protesters said that the search process to replace longtime President I. King Jordan was unfair, that there should have been more emphasis on diversity and that Fernandes wouldn't be an effective leader for an institution that has been a cultural center as well as a school.
Board members have repeatedly reaffirmed their commitment to Fernandes, who they said was clearly the strongest candidate. Fernandes will become president in January. Fernandes and Jordan have said that the protesters are angry about deaf identity politics.
In an e-mail, Gallaudet spokeswoman Mercy Coogan said the administration recognizes and respects the rights of those questioning the board's choice. "At the same time, we expect them to respect the rights of those students, faculty and staff who hold different opinions, who support Dr. Fernandes and who would like to work with us to move forward together."
There is still a huge polarization on campus, said faculty Chairman Mark Weinberg. "People are angry on both sides."
Many said that they are fed up with the board, that trustees have been unresponsive. And they have complained that new rules limiting on-campus protests are stifling their rights.
Others complained that it's time to move on, that they are happy with the selection of Fernandes, see increased efforts by the board to listen to concerns or are dismayed by the divisions they see widening at the school.
A faculty report submitted to the board began by expressing dismay at what it said was a dismissive attitude from trustees.
And tents once again colored the lawn in front the main gates yesterday, with such signs as "We won't move on 'til our 2 demands are met."