DPN: A history

Notable Quotes

The following quotations were made during, or shortly after, the DPN protest of March 1988. The source for these and other quotes used throughout this website are from either the book by Jack Gannon, The Week the World Heard Gallaudet or Gallaudet in the News special protest issue.

"A fundamental requirement, overriding any other for this job, is an understanding of deafness—what it is and how it affects the educational experience."

Senator Paul Simon (D-Ill.)

The students at Gallaudet University deserve our congratulations. They educated the nation about deafness, and won a long overdue victory for all disabled people."

Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis

"Now we have respect; we have everything. It's just the beginning for all of us."

Greg Hlibok, President, Student Body Government at Gallaudet University

"I think it's time for a new perspective, one that only a deaf person can offer."

Dr. Harvey J. Corson, (Class of 1964)
Superintendent, Louisiana School for the Deaf

"It's really a case of the hearing impaired catching the country's ear for the first time."

Editorial,
Arkansas Democrat

"For the trustees to turn away from the entirely reasonable request of the students that a hearing-impaired individual be made president of the college is a very unfortunate expression of insensitivity."

Congressman Barney Frank, (D-Mass)
Congressional Record

"If Gallaudet can't demonstrate leadership, nobody will. It must be Gallaudet."

Jack R. Gannon, (Class of 1959)
Executive Secretary, Gallaudet University
Alumni Association

"You [the Gallaudet students] have brought the deaf community together.... You are my heroes."

Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa)

"The problem is not that the students do not hear. The problem is that the hearing world does not listen."

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson

"The problem there was the attitudes of hearing people."

Ruth Ann Leach, Columnist
Nashville Banner

"God made the world in seven days and we have changed it in seven days."

Charles A. Giansanti, Chemistry Professor
Gallaudet University

"The deaf people here are stunned and outraged. Hearing people have all kinds of ways to move up in the world. There's only one place for deaf people to move up and that's Gallaudet."

Dr. Lawrence Newman, (Class of 1948)
President, National Association of the Deaf

"We need a president in this time and age who is sensitive, understands, exemplifies and advocates for the deaf, not just by rhetoric but by being a living example."

Gary Olsen, (Class of 1965)
Executive Director
National Association fo the Deaf

"The students of Gallaudet have sent a powerful message across this country!"

Senator Paul Simon (D-Ill.)

"It is long past time that Gallaudet had a deaf president, as testimony that deaf people are capable of leading themselves."

Truman Stelle, Graduate Class of 1968
Gallaudet Faculty Member

"The world has watched the deaf community come of age. Together we've overcome our own reluctance to stand up for our own rights."

Dr. I. King Jordan, President
Gallaudet University

"All persons with disabilities understand the attitudinal barriers you are facing and support the continuing fight to change society's view of persons with disabilities."

Eddie Turner
Handicaps Unlimited

"It was a victory for all people who ever felt the pain of being stereotyped, devalued, and unrepresented."

The Rev. Jesse L. Jackson

"This is the Selma of the Deaf "

Kathy Karcher,
Gallaudet Graduate Student

[ in their own words ]

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Last modified February 27, 1998