Deaf Tennessean Blog!

Update from Amy Cohen Efron's web site

2007-07-25T12:29:00.000-04:00

Here's the update that she added the voiceover so the hearing people can hear what she said on her vlog:

Click this: Amy Cohen Efron's web site

Please spread the words to your hearing friends!!

Regards,

PMRjr

2007-07-24T19:03:00.000-04:00

Since our convention ended.. Here's the video you may see what we were doing there and have had a great time!

Also Here's my Revised Report from 2005 thru 2007 plus some issues that we still have concerned..

And each member will get a full C.A.R.T. report by email and perhaps in the future newsletter..

Thanks,

PMRjr Emeritus Past President

TAD Board Meeting in April 2007

2007-05-01T20:04:00.000-04:00

Here's our 2007 TAD Convention site:

We had a good TAD board meeting at the Choo-Choo hotel where our TAD Convention will be held this summer..

I hope all of you will attend our convention because TAD needs YOU!

Next: Update on Sorenson Issues in my report

PMRjr, TAD President

Amy Cohen Efron's Vlogs

2007-03-19T10:49:00.000-04:00

Hey!

I want you to check this: Amy Cohen Efron's VLOG

I strongly agree with her because I had my experience when I grew up as an oral child in my old school before I learned ASL during my last year of Elementary school. (Thanks to my old teachers in Miami, FL).

I believe that all of Deaf babies should to learn the sign language as they can develop to learn how to use their com munitions with the parents, and develop their education skills better.

I am so glad that DeafRead.com is open to everyone even include the professionals too

Regards,

PMRjr

TAD President's Concerns on SLCC and Sorenson VRS

2007-02-25T14:38:00.001-05:00


TAD President Paul Robertson has some concerns on SLCC and Sorenson VRS in Tennessee

A story of Deaf woman's experience at the airport

2007-02-17T11:43:00.000-05:00

I strongly suggest YOU to check this:

http://deafprogressivism.blogspot.com/

It's not first time for me to hear this before..

What's wrong with the HEARING people who think we are Deaf people that are similar to the any disability people such as blind, and others etc..

I agree that she said that we need to educate those people to get know about our Deaf needs.

Not only she had her experienced in the airport..

My dear Deaf Tennessean people.. Im sure that you already have some experienced at the Crocker Barrel.. What would you get the menu at the first place? That menu is FOR BLIND (Braille letters) .. How can we read that menu we can SEE???? Yes Crocker Barrel restaurants are wonderful place we can eat and better service to any people even Blind people can use the braille menu as well.. but still NOT perfect yet..

Sadly, We STILL need to educate them EVERYDAY so therefore our Deaf rights are still not 100% protection YET..

Regards,

PMRjr

Carl Schroeder's Vlog

2007-02-04T13:49:00.000-05:00

I think that you should check with this link:

http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=kalalau52

http://carl-schroeder.blogspot.com/

I know Carl Schroeder at Gallaudet in early 90's since he was one of my best (Deaf) English teachers. He's now in Hawaii.

Enjoy!

PMRjr

Gallaudet Blog/Vlog Conference

2007-02-04T13:36:00.000-05:00

Hey for everyone!

I think that you want to read this with www.deafread.com on the right column to get more information about the event at Gallaudet campus that they hosted and Here's the link that you may be interested to read this:

http://deafness.about.com/b/a/257917.htm

Gallaudet Blog/Vlog Conference

On February 3, Gallaudet held a blog/vlog conference, sponsored by the Coalition for Critical Inquiry. I went to the conference and took notes of highlights. Overall, it was a good conference. There is a (now archived) webcast at on the CCI website.

There were four panels:

Whither Gallaudet

Must change
Asl podcasts
Knowledge is power
Need to reach out to hearing parents
Get word out..how can gally do?
How can Gally meet mission?
Make expectations clear
Role of hearing people? Can't shut hearing out, must include hearing faculty
Media does not give enough information on cochlear implants

Futuristic Visions of Deaf Identity

Many gally grads go to work in deaf community
Raise expectations, multicultural, stop big d and little d
Multiple identities, shared identity of experiences
Black deaf people don't like to be split. No one definition of what it means to be black. Parallels with deafness - many ways to be deaf
Impact of technology
Narrow picture of what a deaf person is
Can be deaf no matter where we go thanks to technology. Internet lets us communicate with each other in words and sign.
Blogging will not replace socialization but will change deaf community
Deaf studies at Gallaudet examining vlogging..best practices?
Young deaf want place to call home. Blogging vlogging encourages identity discussion
Deafhood being incorporated
Growing up in isolation. Identity in the home.
Everyone is wired different
Natural language - not asl, not oral, but written English
Avoid labels
Balance..between education and defining ourselves
Proactivity
ASL has different levels. How does ASL-English relate to identity?

The Futuristic Classroom (I skipped half of this panel)

Technology for classrooms such as voice recognition
Fewer deaf in schools for the deaf
Competition and technology
Early identification, early services
Low incidence disability
Need for more skilled teachers who can teach deaf, in classroom
Political impact from no child left behind
Gallaudet self examination - same number of students in future?
Role of distance learning, infrastructure
Technology needs to be available to all..including low income. not every household has a computer

Vlogging/Blogging and the Future of the Deaf Community

Vlogs - communication, discourse. Understand without text.
ASL vlogs - give freedom, flexibility
First vlog? George Veditz in 1913
Blogs/vlogs create more openness and reduce isolation
Deafread adding about 15 blogs a week
Blogs/vlogs becoming more specialized
History of blogging...companies once thought blogs not important
World doesn't know half of what happens at Gallaudet. Deafread helps Gallaudet by making content available
Major events boost deafread traffic
Vlogs have replaced the little papers of decades ago
Accountability, credibility for bloggers/vloggers
Over time, rules for bloggers/vloggers
Resources help voices be heard
Deaf people who can't read need the asl vlogs
Vlogs for kids too
Minimize hateful comments
Opinion versus fact (At that point I stopped taking notes due to being tired)

Why attend to the Workshop so important??

2007-01-22T13:12:00.000-05:00

Some of you asked me about the workshop in the afternoon at the LDHH building like "why is this important workshop for me to attend?" I am glad to answer your question: Because you need to know how to run your club/chapter to pull more people to get involved AND you may not know what is the problem that we can face in today’s issues in the state of Tennessee.

Here’s the lot of information I provide at the workshop:
- Bummy’s parliamentarian rules
- Robert’s Rule of Order
- TAD Technology for using our Communication
- The Community Center in your hometown
- Role of the Deaf models in your community
- And many many more to add up

The workshop will be held at the League for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing at 415 4th Ave South in Nashville, you may check their web site for directions ( see mapping under “Contact Us”: www.leagueforthedeaf.com/home.html It starts at 1pm until approx 3pm or so.

And of course, you are welcome to attend our TAD board meeting in the public from 9am CST thru 12noon that would be good benefit for you to understand our TAD business, and NCTAD will provide the lunch with your help to bring some covered dishes for feeding up to 10 people.

I hope to see all of you there!

PMRjr, TAD President

TAD Board Meeting on Jan 27, 2007 at 9am!

2007-01-19T22:24:00.000-05:00

To everyone in the Deaf Community of Tennessee!

I am informing all of you that we will have the TAD board meeting will be held at the LDHH building in Nashville on Jan. 27 2007 at 9am to 3pm CST. You may bring your dish covered for supporting NCTAD during the lunch hour!

We will discuss on many issues:
- TAD convention
- TAD Technology for our members' benefits
- Workshops for new leadership skills
- and many more!

I hope all of you to be there, so you will learn a lot of the TAD business that will be your benefit with your hometown!

See you there!

PMRjr, TAD President

Deafness and the Riddle of Identity

2007-01-16T15:21:00.000-05:00

I got this link from Thom Roberts, Executive Director, Tennessee Council for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

PMRjr, TAD President

http://chronicle.com/temp/reprint.php?id=j1kwykr398gz88fxgrdp8tj6n7wldcny

Camping Club Meeting!!!

2007-01-14T19:27:00.000-05:00

On behalf of my camping club, HIDEOUT/soon to be TDC..

I wonder if you have own a tent? RV? or you have several friends who love camping? do you love camping??? If so.. Please come to our meeting! Here's the link that you need to read:

http://www.hideoutdeafcamp.org/2007_Meeting.html

Please spread this word to your friends!!!

Thanks

PMRjr, TAD President

Google Search for the Deaf

2007-01-10T18:15:00.000-05:00

This free service may be useful to those you are Deaf or Hard of Hearing that have a mobile device that can send/receive text messages:

Google SMS is a service that enables you to search for certain kinds of information with Google from a mobile device (such as a Blackberry), and returns your search results as text messages. With Google SMS, you can get phone book listings, movie showtimes, weather, facts, dictionary definitions, product prices, and more. Please visit http://www.google.com/intl/en_us/mobile/sms/ to see sample queries and the types of results you might get.

http://www.google.com/intl/en_us/mobile/sms/

FAQ: http://www.google.com/support/mobile/bin/topic.py?topic=9123

Sorenson opens interpreting center in Memphis

2006-12-26T18:52:00.000-05:00

Here's the article I got from USA_L_News:

"From the newsroom of the Memphis Business Journal, Memphis, Tennessee, Tuesday, December 26, 2006 .....

Sorenson opens interpreting center in Memphis

Sorenson Communications, a provider of video relay services for the deaf and hard-of-hearing community, has opened eight new Video Relay Service Interpreting Centers, including one in Memphis.

Sorenson VRS is a free service that allows deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals who use sign language to conduct video relay calls with hearing individuals through an interpreter via videophone, high-speed Internet connection and a standard television set.

"The proliferation of Sorenson VRS Interpreting Centers is an indication of our company's commitment to the deaf community to provide access to professional VRS interpreters," said Chris Wakeland, vice president of interpreting for Sorenson Communications, in a statement. "These VRS interpreting centers connect deaf individuals with the hearing world, allowing them to communicate in American Sign Language, their native language."

The company's other new locations will be in Boise, Idaho; Columbia, Mo.; Fresno, Calif.; Kansas City; Knoxville, Tenn.; Little Rock, Ark.; and Omaha, Neb.

© 2006 American City Business Journals, Inc. :"

Wow.. That's third Interpreting Center in our state of Tennessee by the same company! Just one plain same company??? Umm.. Please don't get me WRONG, but I know the videophone is a HUGE benefit for everyone! and even our local interpreters as well, yet.. it may not benefit to our local community centers in Tennessee, Why? because of the better salaries from the big companies and short of the numbers of the interpreters in our state, we may have to face some problem about finding several good interpreters in case of emergency WHEN we NEED them?? You have to think about it..

My $64,000 question is.. How could we solve this problem? How could we get the interpreters to get involved with us at the our local community centers? I know many of you whom I met in the past, on their major concern about lack of the interpreter services because our community centers could not completed against the big companies due to $$$$ and You may not realized that our state of Tennessee gave the same rate every year to our community centers for more than 12 years!

What we do? We want to ask you for contacting your local (state's legislative of Tennessee) to ask them to get increase their rates to support our community centers! You will hear from our TAD community or check with your local community center if you can ask them to get updated information.

Please check on our TAD blog often as much as you could, whatever I have resources to inform all of you on this blog.

Thanks!

PMRjr, TAD President

Message from TAD President

2006-12-25T13:40:00.000-05:00

Hello for everyone!

It was really hard for me to believe 2006 will soon be gone now. I have some vision on the TAD Community back in those last 12 months what I did for TAD and I think that 2006 may be best year I have ever had since I became the President of TAD from 2003. So, I hope that may 2007 be great to all of us as well!

I know some of you asked me what would I do with my plan on TAD’s agenda for first 7 months prior to end of my last 2nd term which is coming in July 2007 where the TAD convention will be held on July 12-14 in Chattanooga that you will get a package soon in January 2007 and will also post the information on the TAD web site soon as well. Now, go back to your question I can answer: in the fact I do not know yet, but I do know is must training with any new leadership of TAD to fill up in my shoes!

What would I do is teaching to the board members to take care of the TAD business and teach them how to speak up what they believe is best for their TAD’s future after my term ends. My vision in 2007 would be a new breed and better leadership of TAD for next generations that way will keep running the TAD business strongly for protecting our Deaf rights even in the higher technology world.

Some of you asked me about the newsletter?? My best answer I could have is: There is no position of the Deaf Tennessean Editor yet, which I do not mind to take that position, however my duty of the TAD President is coming first. Second, today’s our better technology is the web site, blog, and email which I could send any newsletter with the PDF file format in your own email address right away instead of waiting longer, which saves a lot of TAD’s money, because we can afford to pay the bill on the web site, email address systems and others. However, we still will need to send the newsletter in the mail to few members that do not have any computer.

However, one thing is I can really answer in my personal way: After my terms ends, I will continue working with any TAD committee such as The Deaf Tennessean Editorial group. Perhaps if the members can re-vote that allowing me go back to become the Past President since the position was removed in 2003 TAD convention, which I do not mind to serve on the TAD board of director again.

Now, I want to encourage all of you as TAD members and non-members to attend our 43rd TAD convention for our TAD’s future with our young Deaf people. We need your feedback because of the higher technology that we will face with. Why important for you to attend our convention? My answer is so simple: protecting your rights to use the better technology service! I am sure that many of you may not know familiar or acknowledged with our new technology such as Relay Service, Videophone, pager service and computers that provides better for our Deaf people so the convention will be a big benefit for yourself!

I hope all of you to be there!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year’s Day!

PMRjr, TAD President 2003-2005, 2005-2007

Merry Christmas from TAD

2006-12-17T21:57:00.000-05:00


Behalf of the TAD, we want to say MERRY CHRISTMAS..

Deaf vs Deaf issues

2006-11-17T10:19:00.000-05:00

Hello..

I would like y'all to read this link:

http://www.elisawrites.com/?p=343

I agree with her comments on "What rejection does to the Deaf Community"

I am sure many of you recalled that we discussed at the Deaf Tennessean Expo (DTE): ASL users, Oralist, CI, Hard of Hearings and others that we need to get together at ONCE so we need to accept each other who are they now, that will make us stronger in the community.

I have many good friends who are Hard of Hearing who have hard time to decide which one will belong to them on the Hearing or Deaf world? Don't get me wrong, but I already have had seen them went thru their difficult times in years.

I am trying to work on the DVD that we already made comments at the DTE for adding either on DeafTennessean.org or this blog and I will try to edit some important information out of the two hours workshops to up to 15 mins, if possible.

I recalled on April Haggard's comments at the workshop about the nurses who bring the deaf baby to the parents and say "sorry but your baby is deaf" in negative way that may make the parents upset or scare, is very perfect example that we need to see their attitude must change now such as the nurses or doctors should say in positive way like "your baby is in good health and we can provide their parents to understand what will they learn how to communicate or get better education with their deaf babies" or something like that. I hope that will show in the VLOG in someday, maybe sooner..

Let us keep working together to give our better education on the people who need to understand about our Deaf Culture!

PMRjr

Chattanooga Chapter of TAD meeting at 12noon on Nov 18.

2006-11-10T10:54:00.000-05:00

Hello for everyone!

I learned that CCTAD invites a person from Tennessee Advocacy with disabilities for commiting on how to protect our Deaf rights. For anyone who lives in Chattanooga area, Please go there.. also I will be there at the meeting for updating on the interpreter issues. The meeting starts at 12noon and you may bring your covered dishes.

Please contact CCTAD President, Kim Dance at CCTAD@deaftennessean.org for directions to the meeting place.

Thanks!

PMRjr, TAD President

Add to our new link: Parents United for Gallaudet!

2006-11-10T10:40:00.000-05:00

Here's new link:

http://gallyparentsunited.blogspot.com/

Here's the video on interview from the supporters by Deaf Read Staff

2006-10-30T12:49:00.000-05:00

Here's the video interview from the supporters of GUAA and FSSA!

http://www.deafread.com/media/fssainterview.html

Tent City Rally-Cook Out on Oct 28 in Knoxville, TN!

2006-10-28T20:41:00.000-04:00

Here's the pictures! Enjoy!

A Resolution from Tennessee Association of the Deaf

2006-10-28T20:31:00.000-04:00

October 28, 2006

Dear Gallaudet Board of Trustees,

On behalf of Tennessee Association of the Deaf and Deaf communities in the greater state of Tennessee include over 125 Gallaudet Alumni members; we have had a meeting on October 28, 2006 in Knoxville. TAD board of directors decided to proclaim it’s a full support of Gallaudet University Faculty, Staff, Students and Alumni Coalition on their full two demands. We have a resolution:

A RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, Tennessee Association of the Deaf is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization, over 160 members strong, many of whom are former faculty, staff, students, and alumni of Gallaudet University, University of Tennessee and Tennessee School for the Deaf;

WHEREAS, Tennessee Association of the Deaf, has serious concerns over the Gallaudet University administration’s and Board of Trustees’ handling of its presidential selection process;

WHEREAS, Tennessee Association of the Deaf formally requests the Gallaudet Board of Trustees to do the following, as likewise requested by Unity for Gallaudet/FSSA (Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni):

• That the Board of Trustees re-opens the presidential search process, ensuring equitable processes that support diversity and social justice.

• That no reprisals be made against any of the students, alumni, staff, or faculty involved in this protest.

WHEREAS, Tennessee Association of the Deaf, Executive Board adopts this resolution on October 28, 2006.

Paul M. Robertson, Jr. GU ’92, President of Tennessee Association of the Deaf

Keith D. Murphy, Vice President of Tennessee Association of the Deaf

Linda McKnatt GU E’78, Secretary of Tennessee Association of the Deaf

April Haggard, GU ’96, Treasurer of Tennessee Association of the Deaf

Board of Directors: Kim Dance, Chattanooga; Jane Mathis, Jackson; Randall Haggard, Knoxville; Lloyd Billingsley, Nashville; Emma Dickinson, Tennessee School for the Deaf Alumni Association; Noble Powers GU E’86, Tennessee Deaf-Blind Association

My personal letter for Dr. Jordan

2006-10-25T14:08:00.000-04:00

To Dr. I. King Jordan,

I am not here to speak on behalf of Tennessee Association of the Deaf as a president, nor GUAA chapter of East Tennessee as Liaison Officer as well, but I am speaking for myself as a member of GUAA, I found that news on what happening at the MSSD Gate this morning, is really UNNECESSARY and UNCALLED because that news is really bothered a lot. I am writing this because I do love Gallaudet University myself since I entered in 1988. And graduated in 1992 for B.S. degree in Business Adm.

You may remember me at the History through the Deaf Eyes in Nashville, TN last March that I have had a lot of respect for your work at Gallaudet, but now I do not anymore.. I strongly suggest that you must go outside for yourself to see how much did the damage on the students by DPS is done, since Carl Dupree'’s death that I never forget when I was a student there in early '90’s. Under your same leadership for 18 years, I do not think that we can see any improvement on DPS lately such as lack of learning the ASL and others.

Why you did this? And I am telling you that you must stop your unnecessary orders anymore, it may be more out of control since you did it on Black Friday, October 13 which was the worst history of the Gallaudet history yet, I am really proud what they did was right thing included Tim Rarus, our one of the DPN leaderships.

So now, you really need to end this crisis now, you cannot blame on the Faculty, Staff, Students and Alumni what they did, because I believe that they did and still do the right thing! You can see that many letters you got, from your friends included Jack Gannon and B. Bragg about asking your friend, Jane Frenandes to resign which is good for our university's sake.

Thanks,

Paul M. Robertson, Jr.
Class of 1992

Tent City-Cook Out Event in Knoxville, TN !

2006-10-25T10:24:00.000-04:00

Hello for everyone!

I want to inform all of you that we will have a Tent City-Cook Out event in Knoxville, TN again! The event will be held at Knoxville Center of the Deaf from 12noon thru 3pm on October 28 at 3731 Martin Mill Pike in South Knoxville.

Tennessee Association of the Deaf (TAD) will provide the hamburgers and hot dogs with sided dishes. We would like to request you to donate the money for supporting Gallaudet University Faculty, Staff, Students and Alumni coalition and Gallaudet University Alumni association ( You can see their links on the right side column of for more information).

Also TAD will have our board of directors meeting from 9am thru 12noon at the same place and date.

You are welcome to come!

Paul M. Robertson, Jr. '92
President of TAD and Liaison Officer of GUAA Chpater of East Tennessee

Letter to Board of Trustees

2006-10-24T14:42:00.000-04:00

October 24, 2006

Dr. Brenda Bruegemann, Chair Board of Trustees

Dr. I. King Jordan, President, Gallaudet University

The Gallaudet University Alumni Association Board of Directors met on campus this recent weekend. Additionally, thousands of alumni from all over the world also arrived on campus for what was supposed to be our Homecoming.

We were all saddened and dismayed to witness the protest that has been going on now for two weeks. The ongoing crisis has escalated and appears there is no end in sight. Dr. Fernandes was relieved from her duties as Provost to attend the development of faculty and community relations. It is interesting to note, that she has not been successful in that regard, especially with the 82% of the faculty vote of no confidence.

The tragic situation is all due to the selection of Dr. Jane K. Fernandes as president designate. All the letters we have read from so many prominent Deaf leaders and Deaf organizations clearly show that support for Dr. Fernandes is non-existent!

Unless Dr. Fernandes comes to her senses or the Board of Trustees finally realize their selection for the 9th president of Gallaudet will not be accepted, it’s apparent that our alma mater is heading toward irreparable damage. This has gone beyond the issue of whether or not she is “qualified.” The Gallaudet Community has made it crystal clear that they will not accept your selection.

This past weekend, alumni have made it clear they will not continue to support the University with their annual donations. Many prominent alumni, who have made significant donations and pledges to Gallaudet, have decided to their contributions on “hold.”

In view of the deplorable attitude by the Board of Trustees, Dr. Jordan, and Dr. Fernandes, the GUAA Board of Directors at its meeting yesterday voted unanimously to:

1. Inform all alumni that they have other options available to make their annual donations.
2. Establish a fundraising committee
3. Develop a GUAA website to better communicate with our alumni

Several other items were discussed and passed that may have an impact on the University’s fundraising efforts in the future but it would be pointless to share them with you now.

It is obvious that all the letters in support of the protest are proving to be fruitless and the time has come for action.

Gallaudet University Alumni Association Board of Directors

Update from GUFSSA!!!!

2006-10-24T14:34:00.000-04:00

Please check on the link from GUFSSA:

http://news.gufssa.com/2006/10/24/talking-points-updated-102306/

Tent City Rally in Knoxville, TN!

2006-10-22T11:42:00.000-04:00

At the Tent City Rally Event at Knoxville Center of the Deaf.

AT GUAA Chapter of East Tennessee on 10/15/06 for preparing a tent city event:

Update from www.elisawrites.com !

2006-10-22T11:15:00.000-04:00

Please check her link: http://www.elisawrites.com/?p=296

What a good story!!

PMRjr

10 reasons for a tent city

2006-10-19T19:52:00.000-04:00

from the link:

http://tentcityuk.wordpress.com/2006/10/19/10-reasons-for-a-tent-city/

Why we are supporting the protest against Gallaudet University

The protest is against the designated election of Jane K. Fernandes, who is due to take up her position as President of the University on January 2007 – the protesters have serious concerns regarding her election and have been protesting against this since May 2006.

THE 10 MAIN REASONS FOR A TENT CITY

1. Mass arrests of Deaf people in Washington D.C.

134 students were arrested in Washington D.C., at Gallaudet University, the only Deaf university in the world, on 13th October 2006. This was the biggest mass arrest of anyone in Washington D.C. since the 1960s.

2. Arrests were carried out in the dark, and ordered by the President of the University

Deaf people communicate visually – so how are deaf people expected to communicate in the dark while being arrested? The arrests were ordered by Irving King Jordan, President of Gallaudet University.

3. The Presidential search process was flawed; there are allegations of racism

All candidates were white, in spite of the university having a diverse range of staff and students. One of the applicants was an African-American, Dr. Glenn Anderson, who was not even shortlisted, even though he has a PhD and years of experience at the University of Arkansas plus other institutions. Instead, another person was shortlisted, Ron Stern (white) who is still in process of securing his doctorate degree and has no college administration experience.

Why did a person with less experience and qualifications make the final shortlist? Where was the fair selection?

It was African-Americans who first protested against the appointment of Jane Fernandes, on a point of racism.

4. Jane Fernandes secured her position as Provost at the university by improper means

For 6 years Jane Fernandes has held the position of Provost at Gallaudet. She got this position, through an improper process. Prior to this she was Vice President of the Clerc Center. In 2000, The Faculty Senate objected to the improper appointment of Jane Fernandes to the Provost position and reprimanded Dr. Jordan, which he admitted and apologised for wrongdoing (in 2000). He did not undo the process but allowed her to remain as Provost. For more information, see Dr. Carol Erting, Senator, University Faculty Senate, Professor and Chair, Department of Education

5. Jane Fernandes has shown poor leadership qualities in her time as Provost

There is evidence that Jane Fernandes has failed in her leadership on campus over 11 years in her two positions. Promises made were not followed through, including issues on racism. There have also been accusations of audism (i.e. discrimination against deaf people).

6. Protests against Fernandes have come from teachers and parents

There have been open letters from teachers and staff of the Clerc Center National Deaf Education Center (a model school) on Gallaudet campus detailing their experience under Dr. Fernandes’ leadership. Amongst other points, teachers and staff who have deaf children were threatened, personally and professionally, for not enrolling their children at Kendall or MSSD. The letter can be seen here. A letter from a former head’s letter.

7. Regular votes of no confidence have been shown against Jane Fernandes

There was a vote of no confidence by the Gallaudet faculty, in spring 2006. Nothing was done about this.

There was a vote of no confidence, again by the Gallaudet faculty, in October 2006. Of all the faculty staff, 138 staff wanted Fernandes out, and only 26 voted for her to stay.

8. It is vital that there is Unity For Gallaudet!

Without unity, the university will lose its support of people and in turn reputation. You cannot lead if the majority do not want you there; when there have been votes of no confidence in your leadership, and when you refer to peacefully protesting citizens as “terrorists”, and do so in a RADIO interview.

9. Prominent people and academics are growing in their calls for Fernandes to resign

Open letters of concern have come from prominent people, professionals ranging from a former headmaster, attorneys, clergy, professors, Presidents of deaf associations, etc, in the deaf community, all calling for resignation. Fifty other tent cities have been set up in support of the protestors and calling on Fernandes to give up her designated election.

10. A bad track record

The leaders of the previous mass protest at Gallaudet in 1988 wrote: “The campus community has already experienced her arrogant, vindictive, autocratic, and retaliatory style of leadership…Dr. Fernandes has earned few admirers on campus which has led to concerns from students, staff, and alumni as well as financial contributors to the university.”

For those interested in reading more, please read the “Must Read” page on the official protest blog

NTID gets Gallaudet unrest

2006-10-19T12:36:00.000-04:00

Here's the newspaper I got from one of my fellow NTID alumni:

-PMRjr

From the newsroom of the Democrat & Chronicle, Rochester, New York, Thursday, October 19, 2006 .....

NTID gets Gallaudet unrest

Students there, here angry over presidential pick

Greg Livadas
Staff writer

Students at Rochester Institute of Technology's National Technical Institute for the Deaf are planning to join other deaf students at Gallaudet University this weekend to protest Gallaudet's next president, Jane Fernandes.

Hundreds of students and faculty members at Gallaudet are upset with the choice and have blocked entrances and camped out in tents on campus. More than 100 students were arrested last week after they refused to allow a campus entrance to be opened.

One entrance at the school, which is in Washington, D.C., remained open this week, and classes resumed.

But homecoming ceremonies planned for this weekend have been postponed.

Fernandes is slated to become Gallaudet president on Jan. 1, following I. King Jordan, who is retiring. Fernandes, who is deaf, believes opponents think she is "not deaf enough" — not raised with sign language and uses her voice. Others say she is not sensitive to students' needs.

On Monday, dozens of NTID students are expected to have a 24-hour tent city of their own here at RIT.

The tent city at NTID is a way to show faculty, students, staff and administration at Gallaudet "that we are behind them 100 percent and we are also promoting the concept of social justice, not only at Gallaudet but everywhere," said Clayton Ide, 23, of Pittsford, an NTID student who attended Gallaudet last year.

KCTAD Social Dinner-Tent City event on Oct 21 at 6pm at KCD

2006-10-19T11:48:00.000-04:00

Hi! KCTAD will have dinner on Saturday at 6:00 PM at KCD.
Members with dish: Free
Members without dish: $3
Non-members with dish: $3
Non-members without dish: $5

After the dinner, we will have a rally to show our support for Gallaudet. Check
out more information about it on www.deaftn.blogspot.com

Thanks,
Jenny :)
KCTAD Membership secretary

Gallaudet’s Great Great Great Granddaughter Speaks Out!

2006-10-18T20:13:00.000-04:00

I am disturbed by the way the current uprising has been handled, to the extent that students have been arrested for protesting. I am especially dismayed that you have apparently forgotten your history with the University and its student protesters from 1988 and the DPN movement.

GU is not simply an institution for the deaf; it is a combined force of deaf culture? past and future, the history and potential of ASL as its own language and the reality of the dreams of deaf people everywhere.

As the great, great, great granddaughter of Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, elder brother to Edward, I am concerned with the divisive atmosphere the office of the President and the Board of Trustees has engendered with regard to ignoring student representatives and dismissing campus community concerns.

With as great a history as the University has from its inception and through the decades, how then can the students and faculty be treated with such disrespect?

Sincerely,
Elise Gallaudet DeClue

http://www.riversideforfssa.com/?p=58

GUAA President, Andy Lange - calling upon ALL ALUMNI to come to Gallaudet

2006-10-18T20:00:00.000-04:00

Hello GUAA Alumni,

I am sure by now, everyone has heard of the news. With the very short message that was released today from President Jordan’s office - see below -, he has disenfranchised many alumni. The Classes of 1981 and 1956 were all set to host their 25th and 50th Reunion. There are also many other reunions happening on that day as well. Instead, Dr. Jordan cancelled all “University Sponsored Events.”

Needless to say, we are all upset over this and deem his reasons for doing so very weak. Dr. Jordan is “postponing homecoming” because of the protester’s refusal to open all of the gates. Let’s think about this for a minute.

1) The gate by KDES is never used. It is hardly ever opened.
2) The gate by MSSD is open ONLY from 6 am to 6 pm M-F. It is closed on Saturday and Sunday.
3) The 6th St. Gate is open ONLY from 6 am to 6 pm M-F as well. It is also closed on Saturday and Sunday.
4) The Florida Avenue and 8th Street Gate is open 24/7.

There are hundreds of reasons why the protesting is going on. I can tell you from what I’ve seen and heard this past week or so, the problems that Gallaudet has run extremely deep. The protesters (students, faculty, staff, and alumni) have occupied the front gate on Florida and 8th, and they have also occupied the gates of Kendall and MSSD. When the football team took over the campus and shut the 6th street gate, they effectively closed the University.

As a result of that, 134 of our future leaders were arrested. Mostly students and a faculty member. Esteemed DPN Leader Tim Rarus was also arrested. Why? Because we have a person chosen by a Board of Trustees who have abdicated their role as custodians of the university and have put up a wall of silence (pun intended). They have chosen a person who is extremely unpopular and by all accounts not an effective leader. If you have been following the blogs, you will see all the documentation that has come forth about the effectiveness of the leader chosen for us by the Board of Trustees. Why is the BOT not willing to see that this person is simply not able to lead? More importantly, the obvious disconnect between the 85% of the Faculty who have voted to ask for resignation and the BOT? Why is President Jordan so protective of her?

On Monday morning, the gate on 6th St. was open and traffic was allowed to come and go normally. The students continued to occupy the Florida and 8th Street Gate. So, there is clear and easy access to the campus. In fact, on Monday morning and again this morning in the rain, a lot of students, alumni and some faculty stood by the roadside leading into Gallaudet, waving, cheering, and saying “good morning” to everyone. It was very heart warming to see them doing this. This morning, it was raining, and they were out there again, cheering, waving and welcoming people to the campus.

I know from my discussions, that the students and leaders have been very careful to communicate with the DPS and DC Police to make sure there is no mis-communications. They were told by everyone that the 6th street gate had to be open, and as long as it was open, it would not be a problem.

Apparently President Jordan thinks otherwise. Postponing the HC day and events, is in effect a CANCELLATION for class reunions and for alumni participation. Especially for the Classes of 1981 and 1956. Those classes have spent two years planning their reunion. Catering food has been reserved, entertainment reserved, and members of the classes have already paid for plane tickets, taken time off from work, book hotel rooms, and prepared for the reunion. I am sure all of them were looking forward to seeing their classmates from 25 and 50 years ago. Me included, as it is my 1981 class reunion. I am not able to come back in November to attend what would be considered an “Official Class Reunion.” I am sure that this is true for many our alumni who are unable to come in November. In fact, I have seen some our international alumni already here for the festivities. I feel bad because I encouraged them all to come.

Shock waves reverberated throughout Gallaudet when the announcement was made. Dr. Jordan and Dr. Fernandes have repeatedly stated that this is a “local” issue and not really a community wide issue. How very wrong of them. About 2 minutes after the announcement went out; I received pages from Florida, California, South Dakota, and many other states asking me if it was true. In about 10 minutes, people from England were asking the same question. ”Local” indeed!

I cannot describe to you adequately the upheavals and turmoil Gallaudet is in now. It is awful, sad, and quite simply, disgusting. You have to be here on campus to see it and feel it for yourself. For those of you who were “against” the protest, or not very supportive. I assure you, when you get here, you’ll see it for yourself.

The worst thing anybody can do is turn on their own family members. Since Gallaudet is home for us, the students arrested on Friday evening last week was an incredible, terrible and heart breaking experience. It was awful, sad, and demoralizing. Our kids were trying to make a statement, they were expressing their opinion. This is AMERICA, this is what we do. Blocking the gate maybe was not the “legal” thing to do, but it was a way to get attention. Very obviously, they felt that they were not being “heard.”

Well, I don’t know about you folks, but to put it bluntly, I am heart broken and outraged that President Jordan can continue to oppress the community of Gallaudet. Very clearly, he’s lost focus on what we are all about. Today we were interviewed by the local media, I told President Jordan that the oppression must stop. We are fed up with it. Is it right for us to feel oppressed in our own home? After a life time of oppression, Gallaudet is the one place where we are free to be
ourselves, and not suffer the oppression we experience EVERYDAY of our lives outside of Gallaudet!

Nevertheless, we will PREVAIL, and life will get back to normal at Gallaudet. Some people need to realize that they are not wanted at Gallaudet and will never have the ability to lead the university or our cherished campus. By cancelling an event that hundreds of alumni have paid airplane tickets, dinner tickets, event tickets, hotel rooms, and taken time off from work to attend, President Jordan has made it clear to all of us, that the alumni is not a valued entity at Gallaudet University.

Therefore, I am calling upon ALL ALUMNI to come to Gallaudet. Come on foot, rent buses, fly here, and be here. Our home needs us!

We must take back Gallaudet.

Andy Lange
GUAA President

PS. The GUAA was NOT consulted on this “postponement.” The GUAA had no input into this decision whatsoever.

PSS. It’s nice that President Jordan can send emails to ALL Alumni when we at GUAA are unable to do so.

Update on Tent City plan

2006-10-18T15:32:00.000-04:00

Hello..

Briggette Ochoa(Class of 2002) and I emailed back and forth about the Tent City plan that Nashville will probably host the Tent City.. I will keep updating for you.. As of Knoxville, we still will have a cook out for raising the GUAA funds at Knoxville Center of the Deaf on Oct 28, however, Barry Swafford '76 and I discussed that we may have the Tent City rally event this Saturday at the KCD after the KCTAD dinner.

We will keep updating.. Please check with us often!

-PMRjr '92

GUAA Chapter of Bay Area link

2006-10-18T11:09:00.000-04:00

I strongly suggest that you should read this: http://bayareapovongally.blogspot.com/

that they keep updating about the Gallaudet Protest!

-PMRjr

Message from Jesse Fuller (Oct 17 2006)

2006-10-18T08:36:00.000-04:00

Hello paul,

The rally tonight was about homecoming and a march to capitol... yees,
I'm sure u have heard that the hc is cancelled by king jordan.. All guaa
here on the campus was very angry at jordan and they decided that hc is
still on!!! Guaa will be doing the work to make hc successful this
year.. Guaa vice prez said how could jordan cancel a traditional event.
Guaa will have ameeting tmw about hc this weekend.. All we know is that
it is still on!

This thursday, team leaders are considering to march to the capitol..
Moer details will be given tomorrow.

There are about 40 faculties that gather together and march with a
banner saying '82% of us vote that jane must resign' to jordan's house.
(With protesters behind the faculties) jordan was very shocked and
speechless.. The faculties want to let jordanknow that faculties want
jane out, not only us, students. Jordan and faculties will have abig
meeting tmw and faculties want jane to be involved with the meeting so
that way faculties will tell jane to resign, not a negoitate meeting.
Its ganna to be 'tell directly to jane' that she must resign!
That's all for tonight.. =)
j e ss e

Message from Homecoming Chairperson

2006-10-17T20:49:00.000-04:00

Message from Homecoming Chairperson

To Members and Friends of the Gallaudet Community,

My heart felt like it was ripped in half when I learned about Irving Jordan's announcement that Homecoming weekend is cancelled. There was no warning. The purpose of Homecoming festivals is for all members of Gallaudet community to come together with pride in our legacy, celebrate diversity today, and lead Gallaudet muscularly to the promising future. Homecoming festivals allow the Gallaudet alumni a chance to reconnect with the campus and give the current student body a valuable opportunity to network with those outside the Gallaudet fence. I can't tell you how excited I was to have been selected as Chairperson for Homecoming 2006 and I have invested a lot and have committed to ensure that Homecoming 2006 will be a successful event. I want to share my feelings and thoughts with you all.

I love Gallaudet for what it has taught me and to halt all Homecoming functions, Irving Jordan is trying to destroy the spirit of Gallaudet. Thus we're expecting a lot of angry people everywhere in the days ahead of us. I wanted you to know how committed I was to make this Homecoming a time when everyone gathers together filled with Gallaudet spirit. The theme for this year's Homecoming is “Gally Days.” How ironic, as members of Gallaudet community, we demonstrate our Gallaudet pride through celebration of our rich history. Our Gallaudetian spirit also drives us to reach for excellence and invest in our love for Gallaudet. The annual Gallaudet Homecoming is where all of us preserve and honor the legacy of our past generations of alumni, benefactors, families, and teachers. Tradition is what unties and enriches us. We embrace, respect, and actively encourage every dimension of diversity in all we do. Diversity is the strength and foundation that balances and enriches our community- IT IS THE FACE OF GALLAUDET. Through diversity, the dialogue of Gallaudet transcends into a stronger Gallaudet community. The slogan that goes with the Homecoming theme, “Gally Days” is: “Proud of our Past. Strong in the Present. Build Confidence in our Future.” How ironic, again.

With all these being said, I'm very saddened to see Irving Jordan trying to create more damages to the Gallaudet community and I'm afraid to see how things will unfold in next few dark days. The current administration is causing all emotional instability among members of the Gallaudet community. Since there is no activity taking place on campus over the weekend for visiting friends and alumni who have bought their plane tickets, Irving Jordan made an unjustified move by opening a can of worms. Whatever that will happen this weekend, they are the results of Irving Jordan's unilateral decision. The current administration just has ignited a spark, a ferocious spark. I'm very upset how the administration twisted the facts. If the protestors knew that the administration will c ancel the Homecoming festivals, the protestors would have agreed to reopen those entrances to the campus. The current administration hasn't given a warning when they sent the letter to the Gallaudet community that the homecoming events will be cancelled if the entrances to the campus are still blocked. This is a defensive weapon imposed by the bureaucratic administration in its attempt to negatively target the peaceful protesters as if they are being held responsible for the cancellation of Homecoming weekend. This is so wrong. Last May, the protestors were very peaceful during the Graduation and they will do the same at Homecoming festivals.

There was not any effort made by the administration to notify me about the possibilities of canceling Homecoming events. If I knew that there was a possibility then I would do whatever possible to ensure that Homecoming festivals will be continued, especially the Homecoming Day out of concern towards the alumni. Irving Jord an did it coldly. The administration has failed to recognize that the alumni are the body of Gallaudet, students are the heart of Gallaudet, and the Faculty members are the soul of this University.

The canceled homecoming events are unacceptable.

Yours in Gallaudet Spirit,

John Slone

Homecoming 2006 Overall Chairperson
Gallaudet University

Message from Albert Dickinson

2006-10-17T19:35:00.000-04:00

i got it from mssd alumni's www page site which i graduated from mssd in 1984..
you can look up which they posted all gally's protesting..

here is www page for mssd alumni: www.mssdclassmates.com/offsitelinks.htm

i feel in some way to support with gally's protesting because i am mssd alumni which is on same property which gally is now!

you can share it with tad members if you want to?
bye for now
albert
mssd alumni of 84

I got this email from Alumni Relation Office (not from GUAA)

2006-10-17T18:14:00.000-04:00

I got this message via the office of Alumni Relations:

October 17, 2006

To Members of the Gallaudet Community:

We regret that due to the fact that Gallaudet University is not operating under normal circumstances, and the protesters continue to refuse to open all of the gates, we must postpone homecoming and all related activities .

King Jordan
President

My response is..

Please ignore his message.. If you have any plan to attend the Gallaudet Homecoming as planned, then GO AHEAD! Many students, Faculty and staff NEED your help!

Regards,

PMRjr

Got the message from Jesse Fuller

2006-10-17T08:52:00.000-04:00

Hello, here is an email of what is going on inside the faculty meeting
today at 4pm, its a big one cause they tend to have a meeting once in
the spring and fall.. In the below information, you can understand what
faculties, staff did proprosed in the meeting with four different
motions..

The rally today talked mostly abt the faculty meeting and
We can't do anything to make jane resign until she decides to resign
herself. So our goal is to not give up and pressure her to resign..
That's it for today.. =)
Goodnight..
PS read below for the faculty meeting motions which were voted by the
faculties, staff to support it..

-----Original Message-----
From: Adrian Apollo
To: saveourdeafschools
Subject: [SODS] UNOFFICIAL RESULTS--Faculty Senate calls on Fernandes to
resign or be removed--"No confidence" in Jordan and also the Board of
Trustees
Date: Mon, 16 Oct 2006 20:02:11 -0400

Here are the unofficial results of the voting on the resolutions put
before the Gallaudet Faculty Senate this evening, Monday, October 16,
2006.

They call on Jane Fernandes to resign or be removed from her position,
and also vote "no confidence" in current Gallaudet President I. King
Jordan and also "no confidence" in the entire Board of Trustees at
Gallaudet.

UNOFFICIAL RESULTS

Results of Faculty meeting Oct 16, 2006

(Note: there are 221 eligible voting faculty members at Gallaudet
University; 168 are present at this meeting, representing 76% of
eligible voting faculty)

Motion A

"The University Faculty moves that Faculty Governance. Through their
official contacts with the Administration and the Board, examine and
discuss models for including faculty, staff, students and alumni as
members of the Board, and set a timetable for incorporating one of
these models into practice at Gallaudet.

PASSED Unanimously (168 by standing vote)

Motion B

"Be it resolved that the faculty demand that Jane Kelleher Fernandes
resign or be removed from her position for the greater good of
Gallaudet University"

PASSED

Ayes 138
Nayes 24
Abstain 6

Motion C

"Be it resolved that the Faculty request the Board of Trustees convene
an emergency meeting with four elected representatives from the
students, four elected faculty members, two elected staff members, two
elected Clerc Center representatives, and two elected members of the
Alumni Association to determine how to manage Gallaudet University
during the interim and to plan for a re-opening of the search process."

PASSED
Ayes 131
Nayes 23
Abstain 2

MOTION D

"Be it resolved that the Faculty request no reprisals against any
member of the community, including students, staff and faculty, Clerc
Center
teachers and staff, Trustees and alumni for their support of or dissent
from the current protests.

PASSED

Ayes 133
Nayes 15
Abstain 0

MOTION E

"Be it resolved that the Faculty express loss of confidence in I. King
Jordan as the leader of Gallaudet University."

PASSED

Ayes 80
Nayes 60
Abstain 7

MOTION F

"Be it resolved that the Faculty express a loss of confidence in the
Gallaudet University Board of Trustees"

PASSED
Ayes 106
Nayes 10
Abstained 0

POSTPONEMENT OF VOTE DURING A SPECIAL MEETING TO BE CALLED

MOTION G

"Immediately bring an outside. Neutral. Professional mediation team to
campus. The team should include Deaf and hearing representatives who
are familiar with Deaf issues and Gallaudet University to facilitate
discussion between the various stakeholders involved in the current
crisis"

MOTION H

"Bring and outside neutral party to investigate the search process that
resulted in the selection of Dr. Jane Fernandes as the 9th President of
Gallaudet University"

MOTION I

"Establish fixed, renewable terms for the Gallaudet University
president. At the end of each term, Gallaudet presidents will have a
performance evaluation by the Board of Trustees that will include
feedback from the campus community. The performance evaluation will be
used to help determine whether reappointment should occur"

MOTION J

"Ask that Committee A and the Senate work together to change faculty
guidelines such that all previously tenured faculty will be required to
take the same sign language assessment test that untenured faculty
take.

GU till provide interpreters in the classroom for any currently tenured
faculty
member who does not pass the sign language assessment at the same level
required for new faculty members to gain tenure. This would not replace
the system
of testing non-tenured faculty"

Press Release

2006-10-16T22:23:00.000-04:00

Press Release on 10/17/2006

Dr. I. King Jordan
Gallaudet University
800 Florida Ave NE
Washington DC 2002

Dear Dr. Jordan,

On behalf of Tennessee Association of the Deaf members that some members are Gallaudet Alumni, I want to inform you that we, Tennessee Association of the Deaf board of directors decided to donate $500.00 dollars ($250 each) to Gallaudet University Faculty Staff Students and Alumni Coalition (FSSA) and Gallaudet University Alumni Association (GUAA). We decided to support the two organizations; because of this crisis, we do not agree what you did make your decision for last few weeks included the arrest orders.

Unfortunately, you have faced this situation very difficulty, as we have serious concerns over the Gallaudet University administration’s and Board of Trustees’ handing of its presidential selection process.

We ask you and board of trustees to follow their two demands: re-open presidential search process to hire a high quality and reputable presidential candidate with the strong background on the Deaf education and communities. And that NO REPRISALS be made against any of the faculty, staff, students and/or alumni in this protest. We ask you to resolve this crisis immediately.

Since you became a president of Gallaudet University in 1988, we know that you are the alumni of University of Tennessee for masters and PHD degrees. We enjoyed having you in our state of Tennessee and any event we had in the past for last 18 years. We hope that you will understand our position that we have a full support of the FSSA and GUAA group.

Sincerely

Paul M. Robertson, Jr.
President of Tennessee Association of the Deaf
Gallaudet Class of ‘92

Supporting to the FSSA and GUAA group!

2006-10-13T12:13:00.000-04:00

On behalf of our Gallaudet alumnus and friends of Tennessee,

You have our full support! We will give you update for Tent City/Rally in the state of Tennessee that we are processing right now.

We will have our East Tennessee Chapter of GUAA tent city-cook out at Knoxville Center of the Deaf from 12noon thru 3pm on October 28, 2006. The event will be presented by Tennessee Association of the Deaf. There is no charge, but we would like to ask you to donate the money that will go to Gallaudet University Alumni association funds since GUAA is now an independent from the office of Gallaudet Alumni.

Please wear your Gallaudet shirts if you have one. We are wearing the bluff and blue ribbons until the protest is over.

If you have any questions, Please contact me at PMRjrTAD@comcast.net

Thanks!

Paul M. Robertson, Jr (known as "PMRjr") Gallaudet Class of '92 and Liaison Officer of East Tennessee Chapter of GUAA

Hello

2006-10-12T17:41:00.000-04:00

Hello

Welcome to our Deaf Tennessean Blog!!!

I found this blog that may be helpful for all of you in our Deaf Communities of Tennessee! I am working on any update as soon as I can!

Thanks,

PMRjr, TAD President