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I. King Jordan: The 7 Shocking Demands Of The Deaf President Now Movement That Changed America

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In March 1988, the world watched as Gallaudet University, the world’s only liberal arts university for Deaf and hard of hearing students, erupted in a protest that would fundamentally change the course of American civil rights. This was the pivotal moment of the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement, a week-long revolution demanding that the institution, established in 1864, finally be led by a Deaf individual. The successful appointment of Dr. I. King Jordan as the university’s eighth and first Deaf president on March 13, 1988, was not just a victory for a single university, but a powerful declaration of Deaf pride, self-determination, and capability that sent shockwaves across the globe, influencing landmark legislation like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As of December 22, 2025, the legacy of I. King Jordan and the DPN movement continues to define Deaf culture and leadership, with Gallaudet University now led by its fourth Deaf president, Roberta "Bobbi" Cordano, who is also the first Deaf woman to hold the position. Understanding Jordan's journey—from a hearing Navy veteran who became profoundly deaf to a global icon—is essential to grasping the modern disability rights movement. His famous declaration, “Deaf people can do anything hearing people can do, except hear,” remains a rallying cry for equality and accessibility worldwide.

The Man Who Became a Symbol: I. King Jordan Biography

Irving King Jordan, known as I. King Jordan, was an American educator and psychologist whose life trajectory was dramatically altered before he became a civil rights icon. His journey to becoming Gallaudet's first Deaf president is a story of resilience, academic excellence, and unexpected destiny.

  • Full Name: Irving King Jordan Jr.
  • Born: June 16, 1943, in Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania.
  • Early Life: Grew up in a small, rural town outside Philadelphia. He was hearing for the first part of his life.
  • Military Service: Served four years in the U.S. Navy.
  • Cause of Deafness: Became profoundly deaf at the age of 21 as a result of a motorcycle accident while serving in the Navy.
  • Education:
    • B.A. in Psychology, Gallaudet University (1970)
    • M.A. in Psychology, University of Tennessee (1971)
    • Ph.D. in Psychology, University of Tennessee (1973)
  • Gallaudet Career: Joined the Gallaudet faculty upon receiving his doctorate. He served as a professor, chair of the Psychology Department, and Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences before his historic appointment.
  • Presidency: Eighth President of Gallaudet University (1988–2006).
  • Retirement: Stepped down in 2006 after 18 years of service.

The Deaf President Now (DPN) Revolution: A Week That Shook the World

The Deaf President Now (DPN) protest in March 1988 was not a sudden burst of anger, but the culmination of 124 years of frustration within the Deaf community over Gallaudet University's consistent appointment of hearing presidents. When the Board of Trustees announced the selection of a hearing candidate over two highly qualified Deaf finalists, the campus mobilized instantly.

The Spark: A Rejected Candidate and a Resignation

On March 6, 1988, the Board of Trustees selected Dr. Elisabeth Zinser, a hearing administrator with no experience in Deaf culture or American Sign Language (ASL), as the university's new president. This decision was seen as an insult to the Deaf community's demand for self-determination. The two Deaf finalists were I. King Jordan and Dr. Harvey Corson.

Students, faculty, staff, and alumni immediately shut down the campus, blocking entrances and holding mass rallies. The protest had four non-negotiable demands, driven by a core group of student leaders, famously known as the Gallaudet Four: Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Jerry Covell, Greg Hlibok, and Tim Rarus. Their demands were:

  1. The resignation of newly appointed President Elisabeth Zinser.
  2. The resignation of Jane Bassett Spilman, the Chair of the Board of Trustees, who famously stated that "Deaf people are not ready to function in a hearing world."
  3. The appointment of a Deaf person as president.
  4. A majority of the Board of Trustees must be Deaf (at least 51%).

The movement's power was undeniable. After days of intense media coverage and national attention, both Elisabeth Zinser and Board Chair Jane Bassett Spilman resigned. On March 13, 1988, the Board announced the appointment of I. King Jordan as the university's first Deaf president, followed by the appointment of a Deaf majority to the Board.

The Profound Legacy of DPN and I. King Jordan

The DPN movement and I. King Jordan's subsequent 18-year presidency had a monumental and lasting impact that extended far beyond the Gallaudet campus. It was a watershed moment in the larger American civil rights landscape.

A Catalyst for the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

The timing of DPN was crucial. The protest occurred just two years before the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. The visibility of the DPN movement—a highly organized, articulate, and successful civil rights protest—provided significant momentum for the disability rights movement as a whole. The movement's success demonstrated the political power and capability of the Deaf and disabled communities, making it impossible for legislators to ignore the need for federal protections against discrimination.

I. King Jordan himself became a prominent advocate and role model during the passage of the ADA, using his platform to champion the rights and abilities of all people with disabilities. His leadership helped to shift public perception, proving that accessibility and accommodation were not just matters of charity, but of fundamental civil rights.

The Shift in Deaf Identity and Culture

DPN cemented a cultural shift toward Deaf pride. Before 1988, many Deaf people were encouraged to focus on assimilating into the hearing world. After DPN, there was a powerful affirmation of Deaf identity, American Sign Language (ASL) as a legitimate language, and the right to self-governance. The protest became synonymous with the concept of self-determination for Deaf and hard of hearing people everywhere. It mobilized activists to fight the stigma associated with deafness and demand greater access to education and employment.

The Continuing Gallaudet Leadership Legacy

The DPN movement established a precedent that has been upheld. Following Jordan's retirement in 2006, the university continued to appoint Deaf leaders:

  • Robert R. Davila (2007–2010): Gallaudet's second Deaf president.
  • T. Alan Hurwitz (2010–2016): Gallaudet's third Deaf president.
  • Roberta "Bobbi" Cordano (2016–Present): Gallaudet's fourth Deaf president and the first Deaf woman to lead the institution.

President Cordano's appointment in 2016 further expanded the DPN legacy by bringing diverse leadership to the forefront, focusing on sign language equity, economic opportunity, and innovation. Her leadership demonstrates the long-term impact of the DPN demand for a Deaf majority on the Board and the normalization of Deaf leadership.

I. King Jordan’s Post-Presidency Activities and Enduring Influence

Since stepping down from the presidency in 2006, I. King Jordan has maintained a role as a global ambassador for Deaf rights and education. He holds the title of President Emeritus and continues to be a sought-after speaker and voice in the disability community.

His post-presidency work has focused on leveraging his experience to promote greater understanding of Deaf culture and the importance of ASL in education. He has been recognized with numerous honors, including an honorary degree from the University of Utah in 2025, underscoring his enduring relevance and impact decades after the historic protest. Jordan's life story is a powerful testament to the idea that deafness is not a barrier to achievement, but a facet of human diversity that enriches society.

The DPN movement was a crucial turning point, not just for Gallaudet, but for the fundamental recognition of Deaf people as a cultural and linguistic minority deserving of full civil rights. It proved that a marginalized community, unified by a clear vision and a powerful language, could successfully challenge the status quo and permanently alter the landscape of American society.

first deaf president of gallaudet university
first deaf president of gallaudet university

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