Since the deaf blog-o-sphere has been abuzz about the events of the last few days at Gallaudet (CNN, WashPost)) , I figured it was time for me to put my own two cents in. I'm a former Buff and Blue Editor in Chief and served as SBG President very briefly in the '90's.
By far, the best letter written on the issue comes from Roger Kraft and is posted on the GUFSSA.ORG website: Roger's Letter. Why is this the best letter written so far? Simply because he does not cast his lot among the conspiracy theorists or those who stick their heads in the sand and deny a leadership crisis exists.
I have to agree with Roger. I've only met Dr. Fernandes a few times and those were in relation to emergency preparedness issues. I'm not qualified to pass judgement on her ability to lead the University into its next era. In May, I was among those who sat on the fence on the matter. From a governance perspective (the Board Of Trustees), backtracking on their decision would have disastrous consequences for this and future BOT's.
At the time, I thought the students were overreacting and not giving Dr. Fernandes a fair shake simply based on her linguistic background as a not-very-good signer. (fair disclosure: I'm not a great signer either and learned ASL at 19 years old at Gallaudet) I wondered if she was not an acceptable choice to the FSSA, does that mean all persons like her (and myself) have no place in being leaders in the deaf community?
The events of the past several weeks have changed my mind. The intransigent polarity among all sides has led to a climax on Friday where protestors occupied the Hall Memorial Building and the administration attempted to re-open it using DPS officers.
The only reasonable conclusion to this mess is clearly obvious: Dr. Fernandes must resign and spare the Board of Trustees the crippling (if not fatal) embarassment of having to reverse its decision at a future date. A new search must be initiated with equal FSSA participation.
What bothers me most is the you're either with us or against us mentality. I don't know if this is reflective of our polarized society as a whole or specific to this particular issue. My biggest fear is this polarity will carry over well beyond the conclusion of this sad affair.
The FSSA must publicly state (and live up to) its demand for no reprisals on all sides. When the dust settles, people who supported Dr. Fernandes and the current administration must face no reprisals for their support just as there should be no reprisals against the FSSA for their actions. Extremists on both sides must be marginalized and concrete steps must be taken to bring this badly-wounded community back together again.
Respectfully,
Neil McDevitt
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10 comments:
Well-said, Neil! You raised very valid points about the need to come together in the end and not have reprisals against everyone, no matter what their position is currently. I'd like to know more about what changed your mind. You cite the events of the last several weeks, but what tipped the scale for you? I'd love to know. *smile*
Well, a conversation I had at Gallaudet several months ago was what got the gears turning in my head (and given the current fears of reprisals on campus, I won't "out" those individuals).
But more importantly, the fact that the BOT and the FSSA are digging in their heels.
My family celebrated my oldest son's birthday today with a party. Ethan, my oldest just turned 5 and of course, got plenty of cool gifts that Ben, age 3, wanted to play with.
You can imagine what happened and the parallels at Gallaudet that are blatently obvious at this juncture.
-N
As I said earlier, excellent post. :) I've said it before, but you've also said it quite clearly here-- the healing is going to be crucial for the community, regardless of what happens.
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