Welcome & Announcements
- Reminder: Summer schedule changes for Silent Chats
- First-timers: First Monday each month (evening)
- Regular Chats: Every Thursday at 7:30 PM CT
- Kids/Teens Chats: Times TBD by Emma
Deaf President Now Documentary
- New documentary releasing this Friday on Apple TV+
- Developed by Deaf influencer and celebrity Nyle DiMarco
- Trailer shared during the session; documentary currently unrated
- Viewers encouraged to preview with discretion for younger audiences
Deaf President Now Historical Overview
Background (Year Before)
- Students and organizations campaigned for a Deaf president at Gallaudet University.
- Letters of support from prominent figures such as Bob Dole and George Bush.
Candidates:
- Elizabeth Zinzer (Hearing)
- Dr. I. King Jordan (Deaf at age 21, professor at Gallaudet)
- Harvey Corson (Deaf since birth, acting president at a Deaf school)
Key Events:
- Week Before Selection: Campus rallies advocating for a Deaf president.
- March 6, 1988: Zinzer selected (not publicly announced). Students discover decision through Public Relations office, protest at Mayflower Hotel.
- March 7, 1988: Campus barricaded by students (bicycle locks, hot-wired buses, deflated tires).
- Four Demands:
- Zinzer’s resignation and selection of Deaf president.
- Jane Bassett Spilman’s resignation as chair of the Board.
- Reconstitution of Board with 51% Deaf members.
- No reprisals against protesters.
- Board rejected demands; students marched to the Capitol.
- March 8, 1988: Rally on Gallaudet football field.
- March 9, 1988: National attention through Nightline with Greg Hilbok, Zinzer, Spilman, and Marlee Matlin.
- March 10, 1988: Dr. I. King Jordan publicly opposed Zinzer.
- March 11, 1988: 2,500-person protest march to Capitol with banner “We Still Have a Dream.”
- March 13, 1988: Spilman resigned; Phil Bravin (Deaf) became new board chair; Dr. I. King Jordan appointed president. All demands met.
Additional Resources
Connection to the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
- ADA signed in 1990, partly influenced by DPN activism
- Improved accessibility (e.g., ramps, interpreters, flashing alarms, Braille signage)
ASL Q&A Highlights
Letter Signs:
- Letter (mail): Mimic stamping an envelope.
- Letter (alphabet): L-shape tapping against index finger (word-based sign).
To, Until, Until Now Signs:
- To: Quick fingertip touch.
- Towards: Index pointing towards direction.
- Until: Long movement touching fingertips.
- Until Now: Same as “since.”
Eyeth Concept (Deaf Fictional World):
- Fictional planet symbolizing Deaf identity, emphasizing visual communication and Deaf culture.
- Related media: “Mission Eyeth” video and “Eyeth: A Young Deaf Man’s Perspective” book.
- Compared to historical reality of Martha’s Vineyard Deaf community.
VCR/DVD Remote Signs:
- Play: Mimic remote click or sign START.
- Pause: Index fingers pulling up into “X.”
- Rewind: Feeler fingers moving left.
- Fast Forward: “F” moving forward (less common).
- Record: Circular motion mimicking tape recording.
- Eject: Demonstrate with classifiers showing tape or disc removal.
Comparison Signs:
- Finally: Flick outward motion.
- Announcement: Flick hands outward (addressing crowd).
- Famous: Curly motion upwards with hands.
- Medium: Mid-level hand gesture with “mm” facial expression.
- Annoy: Larger hand movements; repetitive or tapping at temple or muscle for emphasis.
Closing Remarks
- Encouragement to watch the documentary and further explore Deaf President Now history.
- Invitation to join the free “Intro to ASL” webinar this Saturday (10 AM – 12 PM CT).
