Fernandes Speaks Again
cite as:
Boswell, S. (2006, Jan. 23). Newsmaker: Jane K. Fernandes. The ASHA Leader, 12(1), 14-15.
Interview by Susan Boswell
Interviewer Susan Boswell:
Last year, protests at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, over president-designate Jane Fernandes vaulted her into the national media spotlight (see sidebar on page 15). Beyond the headlines, Fernandes shares her view of some of the larger issues underlying the debate, and offers her perspective on current tensions in the social fabric of the deaf community and on changes now occurring within Deaf Culture that could shape the future of deaf education. She also shares the turning points in her own life that have influenced the direction of her career and her vision for Deaf Culture and Gallaudet.
Selected responses by Jane Fernandes:Â
“At Gallaudet, I see as the core of the university the culture of white deaf people who use ASL as their primary language. As a result of the recent protest, this dominance will continue to grow. Students of color comprise 49% of the current school-age deaf and hard of hearing population, yet they are a small population at Gallaudet. Many of these students are hard of hearing and combine speaking and signing when they communicate. These characteristics don’t fit with the Gallaudet core; when they come to Gallaudet, students must change to fit or leave. Often students of color have left without graduating.”
“My efforts to expand the core of the university were perceived as a threat to ASL. I believe that expanding the core by becoming more inclusive of all deaf people is the best way—and perhaps the only way—to keep Gallaudet University a strong and viable institution of higher education.”
“The protest was not monolithic. Some faculty members harbored resentment at changes I made as provost. Protestors gave different reasons for the protest, but I believe the core group consisted of people who felt their identity was threatened.” To read more, check this article:Â Newsmaker: Jane K. Fernandes Commentary:
As you can see, Fernandes is still promoting false propaganda, playing deaf identity politics. Both she and Jordan need to let go, move on to the future, just like everybody else. Personally, I don’t know Fernandes, but I am so disgusted with her unprofessional conduct. She exhibits poor sportsmanship, just like Jordan. Again, like Jordan, she didn’t say anything about the Interim President nor did she about how the whole Gallaudet Community embraced him, starved for new changes. Again she elaborated on the need of Gallaudet to be inclusive, omitting to mention that Gallaudet had been very inclusive to the deaf people with diverse communication backgrounds from the very beginning. Pssst, Fernandes, it is over and done with! Please get on with your life and let Gallaudet recover from your mess!
I am still waiting for Gallaudet to restart the public relations department so it can counteract with the misleading propaganda. Gallaudet needs to regain its positive image that both Jordan and Fernandes destroyed last year. Maybe you can  also suggest this by contacting Gallaudet via greatideas@gallaudet.edu  *hint hint* I think the ‘great ideas e mail’ concept is a wonderful way to get the whole community pitching in. As days progress, I continued to be impressed with the progressive work Davila have performed so far, especially with his efforts to be transparent and keeping the stakeholders informed via weekly vlogs.  The students are being students again, concentrating on their studies. Gallaudet is slowly healing, though there are some bumps on its journey as some people are not happy with the new changes. Unfortunately the IKJ/JKF administration was the reason for the protest, poor PART reviews, and MSA fiasco, so it has to go in order for the new administration to run smoothly.  You see this major shake up in the senior administration whenever a new president of the United States is appointed, right? Why should Gallaudet be different?
PS. Personal attacks are not permitted in the comment section.
The comment section is now closed since it seems some commenters are here to bash others. MZ
cite as:
Boswell, S. (2006, Jan. 23). Newsmaker: Jane K. Fernandes. The ASHA Leader, 12(1), 14-15.
Interview by Susan Boswell
Interviewer Susan Boswell:
Last year, protests at Gallaudet University in Washington, DC, over president-designate Jane Fernandes vaulted her into the national media spotlight (see sidebar on page 15). Beyond the headlines, Fernandes shares her view of some of the larger issues underlying the debate, and offers her perspective on current tensions in the social fabric of the deaf community and on changes now occurring within Deaf Culture that could shape the future of deaf education. She also shares the turning points in her own life that have influenced the direction of her career and her vision for Deaf Culture and Gallaudet.
Selected responses by Jane Fernandes:Â
“At Gallaudet, I see as the core of the university the culture of white deaf people who use ASL as their primary language. As a result of the recent protest, this dominance will continue to grow. Students of color comprise 49% of the current school-age deaf and hard of hearing population, yet they are a small population at Gallaudet. Many of these students are hard of hearing and combine speaking and signing when they communicate. These characteristics don’t fit with the Gallaudet core; when they come to Gallaudet, students must change to fit or leave. Often students of color have left without graduating.”
“My efforts to expand the core of the university were perceived as a threat to ASL. I believe that expanding the core by becoming more inclusive of all deaf people is the best way—and perhaps the only way—to keep Gallaudet University a strong and viable institution of higher education.”
“The protest was not monolithic. Some faculty members harbored resentment at changes I made as provost. Protestors gave different reasons for the protest, but I believe the core group consisted of people who felt their identity was threatened.” To read more, check this article:Â Newsmaker: Jane K. Fernandes Commentary:
As you can see, Fernandes is still promoting false propaganda, playing deaf identity politics. Both she and Jordan need to let go, move on to the future, just like everybody else. Personally, I don’t know Fernandes, but I am so disgusted with her unprofessional conduct. She exhibits poor sportsmanship, just like Jordan. Again, like Jordan, she didn’t say anything about the Interim President nor did she about how the whole Gallaudet Community embraced him, starved for new changes. Again she elaborated on the need of Gallaudet to be inclusive, omitting to mention that Gallaudet had been very inclusive to the deaf people with diverse communication backgrounds from the very beginning. Pssst, Fernandes, it is over and done with! Please get on with your life and let Gallaudet recover from your mess!
I am still waiting for Gallaudet to restart the public relations department so it can counteract with the misleading propaganda. Gallaudet needs to regain its positive image that both Jordan and Fernandes destroyed last year. Maybe you can  also suggest this by contacting Gallaudet via greatideas@gallaudet.edu  *hint hint* I think the ‘great ideas e mail’ concept is a wonderful way to get the whole community pitching in. As days progress, I continued to be impressed with the progressive work Davila have performed so far, especially with his efforts to be transparent and keeping the stakeholders informed via weekly vlogs.  The students are being students again, concentrating on their studies. Gallaudet is slowly healing, though there are some bumps on its journey as some people are not happy with the new changes. Unfortunately the IKJ/JKF administration was the reason for the protest, poor PART reviews, and MSA fiasco, so it has to go in order for the new administration to run smoothly.  You see this major shake up in the senior administration whenever a new president of the United States is appointed, right? Why should Gallaudet be different?
PS. Personal attacks are not permitted in the comment section.
The comment section is now closed since it seems some commenters are here to bash others. MZ
February 1st, 2007 at 9:43 am
I don’t read JK’s interviews anymore, and IKJ’s too. They are history now. Saw Bob’s vlog this week and it makes me feel good. He has some important interviews recently such the Washington Post. It takes some time for him to re-tool his PR machine.
February 1st, 2007 at 9:59 am
This is most discouraging. There is a large established public position of these two former administrators and they are still feeding their views into it. Instead of being conciliatory, they are continuing to be divisive in their outlook. While one cannot democratically shut them up, one can balance it by clarifying the unifying principles of the protest and hammer on these points in every public release and interview. Dr. Davila needs to be on guard against the damaging influences of his predecessors.
February 1st, 2007 at 10:03 am
Out of the curiousity, I still don’t know who is Bob’s vlog. Dont mind giving me to find out right information about his vlog sites.
thanks
February 1st, 2007 at 10:36 am
It is sad that the media still prints out one-sided views of this situation.
I think we should have someone to contact this media source to demand to have equal “air” time to have balanced news.
The analogy of this…..it is like that “KKK” is dominating the news media while the black culture is being ignored.
February 1st, 2007 at 10:42 am
Janus, Bob’s vlog is the vlog of the Gallaudet interim president Dr. Bob Davila. His vlog is found in the news section at http://www.gallaudet.edu, and also check his past vlogs in the President’s office section. Enjoy his weekly vlog!
February 1st, 2007 at 11:10 am
I couldn’t bring myself to read the interview.
I just can’t. I’m just going to focus on the positive energy that’s going on around right now with President Davila.
JKF needs to move on and start her own healing. This isn’t helping her, especially the deaf community.
But I agree with you, MZ, that emails need to be sent to PR.
Vlogs have been a great part of PR, don’t you think?
Just send that link to the editor of the article and enough said!
February 1st, 2007 at 11:35 am
#5 Please don’t say Interim President Bob Davila. He is THE President of Gallaudet University. He is the 9th President of Gallaudet. I understand that he was asked to work at least 18 to 24 months. It is possible that he can work longer. BOT members may please with him and let him stay longer. I am hoping that Bob is staying until he is retired. He gives us the HOPE. I am saddened by Jane Fernandes and Irving Jordan keep attacking beloved Gallaudet thru the hearing media. I hope President Davila and BOT members will ask two people to STOP attacking us. I heard that Jordan is asking for the best office with splendid view when he is back this fall. Sigh!! I thought he is out of the picture. He may do more harm than good. He may cause some uncomfortable and hostile enivornment when he is back. Please watch out for them!! thanks.
February 1st, 2007 at 12:05 pm
She talks a lot of sense to me…… these aren’t attacks just observations of the realities, you don’t shoot the messenger because you don’t like the message, and the protesters hardly held back with their personal attacks did they, nor do they still !
Will Davilla get the same treatment if he goes the same way, you bet….. Why not just elect a protester and see how far they get ? after all they declared they knew more than the Deaf president and the BOT, c’mon who will stand up ?
You dish it out, can you take it ?
February 1st, 2007 at 12:20 pm
to #8,
In JKF statement: “At Gallaudet, I see as the core of the university the culture of white deaf people who use ASL as their primary language. ”
Tell me if that statement makes sense to you? To me, that’s a racism statement! she better off not being a president of gallaudet.
Learn to get used to losing Jane. bye bye Jane
February 1st, 2007 at 12:28 pm
MM,
Don’t you think that this media was fair, balanced to let the society to hear both side of the two messengers?
This is a biased information of the reality.
Can you take it to listen both sides of the story?
I agree that an ignorant person could think that jkf could be making sense but the whole story of this article is superficial in the reality of this issue!
February 1st, 2007 at 12:33 pm
MM, coming from you, I am not surprised. I can see from reading your blogs that you are not well versed with the real issues. Get it through your head that deaf identity politics are being used as red herrings to distract the readers from the real issues.
February 1st, 2007 at 1:03 pm
MM, get over yourself, Nothingman. She’s our village idiot like you are in your town. Banned by UK Blogs, that’s telling.
February 1st, 2007 at 1:12 pm
We are getting to know her better and better. Ad nauseam.
Molestus.
Jean Boutcher
February 1st, 2007 at 1:19 pm
Post Scriptum:
I am thinking of sending Fernandes a copy of Oscar Wilde’s book, “The Picture of Dorian Gray,” a copy that the 1988 provost gave to the newly-selected president Jordan!
Jean Boutcher
February 1st, 2007 at 1:52 pm
MM who is from British is inside culture in compare with paddy ladd.
Julie B
That is true, I have seen the culture of white deaf people who use ASL as their primary language as they are very value and cherish. It sounds to me that it is discrimination.
we conversated during afternoon. He wasn’t agree with what I said “it is Black culture.” He is a hard of hearing and he is black. And, it was not my idea and a hearing black gave me her message, which was said “Black culture”. I don’t understand.
February 1st, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Jean Boutcher is definitely right about JKF painting herself into the corner where she will be not able to get out of.
So we could see the real Jane Fernandes for signing her hands and orally speaking her pouty mouth for the general public to see who and what Jane Fernandes is all about.
Sadly, we are in the real cultural war right now thanks to the likes of JKF, IKJ and MM.
The general public will definitely see the best of the American deaf community in timely manner.
JKF and IKJ obviously are very restless about stamping out their version of what the deaf community and education is supposed to be.
IKJ and JKF’s vision for our deaf education came to the colossal failure in many ways.
The deaf community keep saying “Enough is enough”!
Robert L. Mason (RLM)
February 1st, 2007 at 2:44 pm
Ad Nauseam! Yes, that’s how I feel when I “see” IKJ and JKF singing the same song like a broken record. I bet everybody else feels the same way, too, eh?
You notice something? They also are very divisive. Everytime they talk to the media, we see more conflicts between the stakeholders of Gallaudet. More division and infighting are what they seek instead of unity. That says a lot, right?
February 1st, 2007 at 2:45 pm
We are al entitled to a view, that’s democracy. I found Mishka’s very biased, that’s a fact. She led in many respects a hate campaign as I read it. What is your fear about being inclusive ? every time someone mentions this, the ‘clan’ gathers, insults fly… whether I am a Brit or not, I am deaf and know as much about issues as anyone else regarding access and support, I live it too, politics are just blunt tools in the deaf world, Big D etc, need we say more…. ? The ‘deaf’ community say snothing at all Mishka, I am the ‘deaf’ community, you, aren’t.
February 1st, 2007 at 2:53 pm
MM, you live in Britain, therefore you have no idea what really went on Gallaudet except for what you have read. You need to be on campus to get the full truth.
Fear of inclusion? What the heck are you talking about? I am the proof how inclusive Gallaudet is. I had the same upbringing as Fernandes. As a 100% oral person, not only was I admitted to Gallaudet, I also graduated from Gallaudet twice and taught there for a good number of years.  Many of my friends with similar backgrounds graduated from Gallaudet. Â
Hate? I don’t even know Fernandes personally. However, I don’t like the harmful actions she has waged against Gallaudet and its community. Nor do I approve her divisive ways of using deaf identity politics to pitch deaf against deaf for her political agenda.
February 1st, 2007 at 2:58 pm
The reporter should’ve asked Fernandes about Ms. Kitty Fischer, the MSSD librarian, whom according to several blogs I read she treated shabbily. It would’ve been interesting to see what her reaction would be. She’d probably be too tongue-tied to reply. Or, better, sign-tied! :>
D.
February 1st, 2007 at 3:20 pm
I’m afraid a chip is showing Mishka… you areright I don’t know anything but what I read, I did however take the trouble to read both sides, I don’t think that was very evident during the campaign.
How else are we supposed to form a viewpoint ? we can’t all go to Washington, even those IN America they relied on the blogs, anyone who read the Washington Post was supposed to be a traitor or ill-informed as something, do you NOT see a pattern here…. ? Deaf people around the world looked to Gally as an example, I think more than a few are now somewhat dissolutioned… OK you don’t need us, but if you go worldwide with blogs, don’t expect total consensus… this isn’t a deaf club.
February 1st, 2007 at 3:23 pm
To MM:
What is your blogsite address?
To MM:
From where did you get the idea that Gallaudetians object to inclusivness?
Gallaudet has been inclusive for more than a century. Legion of oralists who learn sign language as their spare tire. Again, I was there when I saw cochlear implantées. I must reopeat: CIers were there long before both Jordan and Fernandes were selected as president in 1988 and 2006 respectively. Anyone desiring to enter Gallaudet should learn sign language because Congress founded Gallaudet specifically for the deaf because the communication of the deaf differs from that of hearing students-professors at hearing universities. If CIers enter Gallaudet and refuse to sign, they should enter a university where no one utilizes sign language.
Very logical, n’est-ce pas?
Jean Boutcher
February 1st, 2007 at 3:28 pm
MM, then I don’t know what the problem is. Gallaudet has always been inclusive and Fernandes is playing deaf identity politics. If you go on campus, you will see many students from diverse communication backgrounds. A good friend of mine who is a student at Gallaudet has a CI. Guess what? The majority of those students (the ‘d’eaf, as you refer them) also opposed the appointment of Fernandes. As  I grew up oral and learned sign language later, just like Fernandes, what does this make me? A “D”eaf? A “d”eaf”? The protest has nothing to do with deaf politics but the quality of her leadership.
February 1st, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Mishka Zena
I found Mishka’s very biased, that’s a fact. Sorry that I agree with MM because you did delete my comments in few times in Oct. In fact, it was not slander.
February 1st, 2007 at 4:08 pm
MM,
Visit http://www.egbertpress.com/
I have sold MindField books to England, Ireland and Sweden.
Hope that you will read this book as you will learn more about America.
Peace?
John
February 1st, 2007 at 4:14 pm
Of course I am biased as I am a pro Unity For Gallaudet, standing up against social injustice and oppression. Since this was a protest blog, I refused to tolerate constant hijacking of my blog, bullying and/or oppression of some Pro Fernandes commenters who were not interested in having constructive dialogues. I gave them many chances, but they kept blowing them. As my time was severely constricted during that time, I had to enter the blog into moderation, especially after receiving so many threats. By the way, while we are at this subject, why were all pro fernandes blogs moderated from the very beginning?
February 1st, 2007 at 4:49 pm
The number of the protesters is very small.
I agree with Jane that Gallaudet should be opened to all deaf and HH especially these who do not want to learn ASL. Gallaudet’s major language is ENGLISH, not ASL.
There is no such thing like “bye, Jane.”
February 1st, 2007 at 4:53 pm
Mishka Zena
Thank you for giving me to understand your comment.
February 1st, 2007 at 4:56 pm
Hello folks, after reading today’s blog. This is my comment to you all. Leave her alone! She’s just doing her job. Best wishes.
February 1st, 2007 at 4:58 pm
TC, 80 percent of Gallaudet who asked for the resignation of Fernandes isn’t considered small. Historically Gallaudet is set up to provide education in sign language as it is the most accessible communication visible to the deaf students.
ChrisH, thank you for understanding. Now that the protest is over, I truly hope we all will put aside our differences and work together on different topics facing Deaf Community.
February 1st, 2007 at 4:58 pm
Mishkz Zena,
Well done blog of yours!
Best wishes,
Ms.Katrina
February 1st, 2007 at 7:49 pm
Most of the people at Gallaudet are racist people who don’t want to admit it.
When the issue comes up they can’t face it hence the personal attacks on JKF and IKJ.
If this problem does not get fixed, Gallaudet will not be fixed.
It’s time to swallow some reality Mishka Zena and stop personally attacking people. Your campaign is getting old anfd tired. GROW UP!
February 1st, 2007 at 7:55 pm
Hi, Katrina!! Thanks :)Â
Yet here you are, Pamela, attacking Gallaudet stakeholders, accusing most of them being racists while ignoring the fact that Fernandes is still attacking Gallaudet. Double standards, eh? By the way, why don’t you inform her since the protest is over, it’s time for her to move?
Why are you here reading my blog, then? Cannot resist me?
February 1st, 2007 at 9:07 pm
The Public Relations department at Gallaudet truly need to start putting their act together or they must go.
Their newly designed website at http://www.gallaudet.edu, which was launched last year, definitely does not reflect the true meaning of our university. It takes a professional web designer or manager to do the job.
Their structure, layout, links, and color are just horrible. You could tell it was developed by some tech person without skill.
I look forward to the day when they use more videos and other visual aids. Again, it goes back to revamping the whole PR department.
February 1st, 2007 at 10:10 pm
Well, *I* can’t resist you, MZ!
It’s funny how they come back and attack us when IKJ/JKF keep spinning false info in their interviews.
Bah.
We got other issues to be concerned with at Gallaudet, so let PRESIDENT DAVILA take care of the PR - he already has with his vlogs so far.
February 1st, 2007 at 10:53 pm
IamMine (#35),
You’re so right that we should focus on future. IJK/IKJ are the past and Davila is the future for the next 2 year.
For the IJK/JKF fans, there’s way to bring them back. GET ON WITH YOUR LIFE. END OF DISCUSSION !
February 2nd, 2007 at 12:03 am
Why is it that Fernandes and Jordan cannot leave Gallaudet alone? I theorise that their pride was so awfully wounded that they become revengeful and speak against Gallaudet.
The only way to stop them is to write a letter to The Washington Post and Boston
Globe where Fernandes lives
and tell the public what kind of people they are by explaining what they did to a librarian who was forced to resign one week — yes, you read me right — ONE WEEK — before her official retirement date with full benefits for her 30 years’ service at the Laurent Clerc Center. The letter would embarrass them. They deserve a real hard slap in their faces! We are no longer submissive, gullible, and obedient unthinkably.
February 2nd, 2007 at 12:45 am
MishaZena,
I posted a long one about this on my blog, almost a continuation of one of my first blogs.
I agree with you that we will have to fight back Jane and IKJ’s comments as we embark on a new and bright beginning for Gallaudet.
It’s sad that so many people do now know enough Gallaudet alums from hearing students, coclear implants and users of all modes of communication enough to ascertain that Gallaudet does indeed accept all kinds of people. If Gallaudet wasn’t, then what has Jane and IKJ been doing about this all along? They must have thought it was a good “sob” story to share with the media only to realize they they would be ultimately responsible for it in the first place….the chicken or the egg argument? *scratches head*
If Jane and IKJ feel compelled to continue the verbal war against Gallaudet, who says that people cannot protest whatever Jane’s next endeavor is? If she is hired somewhere, what compels us not to protest against her? People protested against Bush almost during his entire presidency, so if Jane wants to keep this up, we can return the favor.
February 2nd, 2007 at 4:15 am
I wonder, do people actually read between the lines of some rsponses here,so much anger, so much disrespect to other deaf people too. For me, that was what gave me concerns about the real point of this protest.
Surely it is up to students if they wish or not to learn ASL at Gallaudet ? Perhaps you will enlighten me. If one is brought up as an oralist or lip-reader and non-signer, surely the ASL user must respect the rights of these deaf. Not least because if you are aggressive about it, people will go the other way…
The ASL user has rights, but so do others. If you read mt other response I said while GAlly as an educational establishment had an inclusive policy, I didn’t feel the protesters had. I read ASL, I read culture, I read little else… If there is a misconception in my view, then it is I feel up to the protesters to resally clarify,and it is unfaior to playthe ‘Deaf’ card at other deaf people. I think erading MZ’s blog she is ‘D’eaf, and not ‘deaf’. She may allude or belong to whatever sector she wishes, that is democracy, it is not playing the game to then state she is therefore inclusive as well, there was and is, constant attack on IJK and Fernadez for re-iterating it. It was a matter of qualifications ? I don’t really think so, this was an excerize in ‘Deaf’ power. I’d rather see this ‘power’ used more democratically and I don’t want and ‘them and Us’ in the deaf worlds, there’s no Unity via loudest voice. Healing the wounds, seems to entail burying dissention, mistakes were made no one will admit this.
February 2nd, 2007 at 5:43 am
Correction on my statement #36. I typed “For the IJK/JKF fans, there’s way to bring them back”. It should be “For the IJK/JKF fans, there’s NO way to bring them back.”
February 2nd, 2007 at 6:49 am
MM,
It’s totally up to you to decide which version is truer. Biased or not, MishkaZena did excellent job in blogging than anyone else. Let me share my side story of my blogging experience during the protest. Some deaf people send me emails of picture of videos which are very offensive and it’s most about IKJ and JKF. Of course, I refused to put them on my blog because I believe in fair and balanced reporting. But MishkaZena is right, I did receive a lot of audism comments such as ” You’re Deaf and Dumb.” from few pro-fernandes and I never accepted them. The only thing we discuss is about her ineffective leadership.
And I am ex-oralist just like MishkaZena. I choose ASL as my primary language. I’m not saying that we all must learn ASL but it is fact that most deaf people came to Gally with language other than ASL ended up using ASL as primary when they leave (graduate, withdraw, etc.) Only few left without learning ASL completely. The problem is that it has nothing to do with a group being “militias” but it is individual who had done that without thinking.
This is why we have “Unity for Gallaudet”. Also, it has huge impact on deaf people across the America even some people who don’t support protest do not realize this.
I like neutral people who read both version of stories because in my opinion, because they just don’t attack each other but instead make a dialogues rather than arguing about it.
Well, a lot of things happened at Gallaudet that I’ve witnessed during the protest and I hate when people who never came to Gally to see for themselves tend to argue about how wrong protest is that IKJ painted the image of protesters. I. King Jordan once said that he believe in freedom of speech that we have when he announced about arresting protesters at 6th gate, so if he do believe in that, then why did he support twisting the stories of protest is really about, ignoring protesters’ concerns, allowing DPS assaults to happen, threatening us to shut down SBG, BNB, and other organizations that supported the protest, and continue the oppression that we experienced. People who didnt come to Gally to see for themselves never experienced what’s like to be being oppressed from this kind of aristocracy administration.
But don’t forget that there is another group who don’t support the protest because of HMB lockdown due to education they need. My girlfriend and I had problems with this because she used to be in that group. When I told her that I’m involving the lockdown, she do not support the idea of lockdown but support me because she believe in me. Yeah, few days later, she decided to join the protest after PR spinning machine and DPS assault.
Hell, there are a lot of things to be said but all I can say, don’t bitch about it, just offer arguments and reasonings with dialogues without insulting each other.
February 2nd, 2007 at 7:15 am
Thanks for posting my interview on this blog. As the assistant managing editor of The ASHA Leader and as a deaf person, I was delighted to be able to interview Jane Fernandes. I’m a big fan of hers and I find her centrist perspective refreshing.
There was also a short sidebar that listed the reasons for the protest, in effort to provide context and balance for readers.
In addition, it is preferable to create a short blurb for the story and link to The ASHA Leader, rather than reposting the entire story without permission.
February 2nd, 2007 at 8:36 am
MM - yes ASL users have their rights, but have they been *heard* all those years? No.
They tried addressing this with IKJ/JKF all those years, only to be ignored. Look at DSP’s signing skills as one evidence. Ask the Deaf-Blind.
There were many issues behind the protest, but what stood out was JKF’s ineffective leadership. Period. Unfortunately, NOT in the public’s eyes – both in the hearing and deaf communities, with no thanks to IKJ/JKF and their PR.
EVERYwhere you go, there’s ALWAYS a “certain†group that stands out – at school, work, and heck, even in families!
There are advantages and disadvantages for those “certain†groups.
JKF/IKJ was using their advantages on that “certain†group. There were all kinds of groups in the protest. Many had different issues and concerns. But the public favored the “deaf not enoughâ€, which consisted a very very very small number of people IN the protest, but not the MAJORITY. The people who supported them were NOT supporting the “deaf not enough†issue, but INEFFECTIVE leadership, as well as MBI.
That was totally unfair of them and it was easy for them to do that because everyone – even in the deaf community who have not been keeping close eyes during the protest other than newspaper or media THROUGH IKJ/JKF – to go, “Oh sh*t, I know those type of people…†because they ALL have either been associated with them or around them.
Even hearing “get†it because they also have associated with those “type†of people all their lives.
See how easy that was? Especially AT GALLAUDET!!!! The DEAF University!!!
Now as for your question about oralists and hoh being welcomed to Gallaudet – yes, they are. Look at MZ and CI users.
But what I don’t understand about your question on people NOT wanting to learn ASL when they apply to Gallaudet, a SIGNING campus. Yes, education is a priority – but that’s why students apply to Gallaudet because it’s a Deaf University where everyone signs and access to education is supposedly to be a lot easier than other universities where they don’t need interpreters.
I’m not saying they should go elsewhere – but why Gallaudet if they don’t want to learn sign language? That part I still don’t get? Enlighten me, please.
Again….bah.
PRESIDENT Davila has a huge, huge job. And I think he’s doing a great job so far – but still a long way to go. He still needs to address the racism issues, though.
And I’m white, CI user, and a PSE user who grew up in the SEE and SimCom environment.
I fully supported the protest and clearly JKF either does not understand or is avoiding the *real* issues of her being rejected – NOT because of HER upbringing but her handlings of issues AND people during those years on their jobs.
The descriptions of ME and others didn’t quite fit IJK/JKF’s arguments, do they?
Bah.
PS. Sorry for the long post, MZ.
February 2nd, 2007 at 8:49 am
How can I be accused of rejecting JKF because she is “Not Deaf Enough” when I had exactly the same oral background she has? Think about it some more. I told you many of my friends have same oral background.
Let me say one thing: If Fernandes was rejected because she was “Not Deaf Enough”, do you think I would have the audacity to participate in the Pro Unity Gallaudet? This is not even logical. If deaf identity politics are the real issues, believe me, I would fight to defend Fernandes. What about deaf teachers and staff with oral backgrounds? They along with the hearing faculty were also opposed to Fernandes’s appointment, too. Would you call these people “D”eaf? Of course not!
Fact is she already had two no confidence votes by the Faculty Senate long before she applied for the presidency. Fact is that the academic programs under her supervision as a provost the last six years earned poor evaluations from Dept of Education five years in a row, with the failing grade the last year, during her six years of provost. It’s my understanding that before Fernandes came to the picture, these reviews were good. Prior to her provost position, she directed both high and elementary schools on campus and according to the staff and former parents, the programs deteriorated, with many parents, including deaf parents, transferring their children to better schools.
Why would we want to promote an administrator who consistently ran her programs into the ground? Of course not. We want a qualified person to run the university.
February 2nd, 2007 at 8:50 am
MM,
How can you possibly dissect what the true motivation behind the protest was? In that case, you can make up your own theories on what the motivation was, regardless of what the majority says. You seem to favor Jane’s version, and that is fine because I can see how you want to support that side. Some people will hop on the bandwagon on anything, and some people will just go against everything, you seem to be one of those people that goes against everything, so there is nothing wrong with that, it’s a personality trait that you have.
Even at a private religious college, they will accept people of all religion, as long as those people don’t try to change everything and make their religion the dominant one. It seems silly because those people can go to other colleges where a higher percentage of their faith attend. If an oral person does not want to sign at Gallaudet, that is fine. If that person drops out, who gets blamed, the culturally deaf people will be.
Gallaudet will have people with strong american values that might not blend will with the rest of the world, has strong values on signing that might not blend well with hearing people, and like any other college, Gallaudet is not just going to roll over and kill all the cultures/values they have on campus, it is impossible to do so, because another idealogy is behind it to replace the values.
February 2nd, 2007 at 8:54 am
See, MZ - you are always able to provide FACTS to back up your arguments and also straight to the point!
Oh darn it - why did I get A+ in my Composition I and II classes!
*hangs head in shame*
February 2nd, 2007 at 9:30 am
Iam, you are doing just fine. It’s very important that others hear the perspective of deaf people who were oralists.
So many of us feel passionate on this topic that we are guilty of writing too long comments, including me! lol. No problem with this post
 Susan, thank you for your feedback. I’ve sent you an e mail to follow up.
February 2nd, 2007 at 9:33 am
M.Z.,
I didn’t realize that she had 2 no confidence votes long before she applied for president. I thought it was once after she became a provost and once after she was elected to be a president. Can you tell me about the one more vote before she applied for the presidential position. thanks.
February 2nd, 2007 at 9:37 am
As I understand, she earned the second no-confidence vote after she was awarded tenure improperly, bypassing the faculty senate completely, which was in violations of the national university protocols.
February 2nd, 2007 at 10:26 am
I fear you are now over-simplifying things, I suppose history usually decides who is right, and time. I don’t think my view on inclusivety and supporting Ms Fernandez’s statements on it, makes my view ineffectual, I’m not primarily concerned with the qualification argument, I’m not qualified to judge, perhaps protesters are.
I am not one of those who oppose for the hell of it, inclusion means no-one signing or not should be treated any differently, I’d hate to see a heirachy of deafness or an eliteness of it.
Yes Fernandez strikes a chord with me, like MOST deaf people I experience various forms of discriminations and exclusions, so yes again, I am inclined to support people who want inclusion, and those that state ALL deaf people should be equal, if we don’t do this, how can we expect others to do it ?
I think someone who is dedicated to full inclusion will always have the edge over those that bang a single drum, no matter how that sector sees itself, because this is division, no matter how it is felt, that deaf and culture and sign sets you apart from everyone else, even other deaf, I can”t go with that. We must practice what we preach or we’re hypocrites.
OK I’m not so articulate as some here, I just say how I feel, the Brit way obviously isn’t the American one. I didn’t understand the statement about people who should sign going to Gallaudet, perhaps it wasn’t made clear enough, I obviously meant those for whom communication is NOT via sign language, those who you say ARE included at Gallaudet, there does seem a a view if people are not attempting sign then they are not playing the game, Gallaudet is a DEAF university, not a deaf one ? There may well be valid reasons why students do not, or may choose not to sign, a lip-reader may well have no need to sign, prefer to lip-read, he or she may have chosen to co-exist in Mainstream but utilizing Gallaudet to gain qualifications, and not, to join some ‘in’ set or sector, I presume they pay the same fees ?
I would feel it quite wrong for those who DO sign all the time to be hostile or dismissive of those, who don’t, we are ALL deaf or HI together, or, we are NOT. I don’t think anyone should be leaned on to choose.
Is Gallaudet an ASL University, or, a University where ASL is used ?
February 2nd, 2007 at 12:01 pm
MM, you are bringing in a subject that isn’t even an issue. Fernandes recognizes that this is a signing university and she have repeatedly stated that she has no plans to change this.
The future will be a challenging one as the demographics of deaf students are rapidly changing. That is even more reason for an effective leader, not an inept leader.
All subsets of the deaf community, whether they be “D”eaf or “d”eaf do face internal prejudice from other deaf people. This is the reason why Fernandes’s claims of “Not Deaf Enough” struck a familiar chord among certain deaf people, including me. However, that was not the reason for the rejection of her appointment.
February 2nd, 2007 at 12:48 pm
To MM:
You seemed to me that you really do not understand what we have been saying.
Yes, most Deaf people I know (including myself) have experienced a lot of discriminations and exclusions. So what is your point?
I am saying this: Gallaudet has ALWAYS been sensitive about communication issues. I was (like JKF) an oralist growing up. I attended public schools without any assistance.
I chose to go to Gallaudet because I loved the teaching methods they employed there.
While I was there, I was in the same classrooms as oralists (they lipped read-or sometimes they had an oral interpreter), hearing people (a sign language interpreter would be there), Deaf-Blind (there was Deaf-Blind interpreters), and in some cases-Spanish speaking (or a number of other foreign language) deaf students (a Spanish sign language interpreter was there).
If you ever go on campus these days, you will see people with Cochlear Implants (CI).
When I first came on campus, I did not know ANY signs. Nothing. Nada. Zipped. Zero.
I remember having to write to my new roommate(s) on paper whenever I needed to communicate with him/them.
Yet, I NEVER experienced ANY hostile feelings, looks or attitude from anyone at Gallaudet. Neither the faculty, staff, administartion or student body gave me ANY problems.
Yes-it was lonely.
Yes-I struggled to learn a new language(s)(SEE and ASL).
But people there embraced me as part of their culture…a part of the Deaf family.
Sign Language is a basic requirement for the Gallaudet “experience”- but it does not mean that Gallaudet will exclude you if have a CI, for example.
Gallaudet University, as far as I can remember (30-40 years), has always been inclusive.
The Pro IKJ and JKF side were wrong then…and they continued to be wrong now.
The protest was never about issues of Deaf-Inclusiveness. Period.
End of story.
Raphael J. St. Johns, C-87, G-00
February 2nd, 2007 at 2:17 pm
People who don’t agree never understand things, this has always been the charge. Deaf inclusiveness was an issue according to JF, she said that is why you outed her. So she preached sour grapes ? then, IJK stated the same thing, adding Absolutionists to it, surely as DPN for so many years HE knows what he is talking about ? and, you elected him too.
I fear we’re not going to agree on this, inclusiveness is central to my belief, I don’t see the dedicated cultural and signing deaf activist sector going that way at all. It seems they prefer a parallel system, (some sort of ‘co-existence’ system), rather than an inclusive or even integrational one. This is anathema to Acquired deaf and HI people, inclusion in mainstream and other areas, are basic beliefs and goals to them. It spawned the D and d.
We campaign for little else. Too much damage has been done by zealots who operated the deaf system rather exclusively, first, it was plain Isolation and understandable, now it’s division by design, to protect and foster deaf culture, against ANYONE they see as a ‘threat’.
Deaf culture is exclusive, I don’t think there is much doubt on that, the language helps that, obviously if you aren’t into ASL/BSL you are getting nowhere fast aren’t you ? The point is, is this now by deliberate design ? even for the most basic of protectionist reasons ?
February 2nd, 2007 at 2:22 pm
MM, yes, not only I, but countless others feel that JKF and IKJ lied.
Again what JKF and IKJ claimed about Gallaudet not being inclusive was downright false. They manipulated the media and the public for their political agendas because Jordan was personally invested in having his mentor, Fernandes, become the president against the wishes of the university stakeholders, when he was actually supposed to be neutral. The absolutionists represented a very small percentage of the protesters, the majority being hearing and deaf of diverse communication backgrounds. It was very unfortunate that IKJ and JKF restored to deception to avoid the fact that she didn’t have the skills to lead an university. Of course you are entitled to your opinions, but this is the reality here on campus.
February 2nd, 2007 at 2:57 pm
MM:
Please do a little research before you form your opinions.
Please read Dr. Bob Johnson paper.
Please read the hundreds of open letters that were sent by people who knew the real issues.
The issues were NEVER about inclusiveness. It WAS about failed leadership, about a poor record as both Provost and as faculty member (JKF wrote very little [ about two articles ] as a “scholar”), about treating other faculty members with respect i.e. King Jordan appointing JFK as Provost without the normal process that she should have gone thru.
Those are only a few of the issues, MM.
IT WAS NEVER ABOUT INCLUSINESS.
They (IKJ and JKF)lied so many times during the protest- I find it hard to believe that anyone who really takes the time to investigate the whole matter would give them(IKJ,JKF) any credence.
Raphael J. St. Johns C-87, G-00
February 2nd, 2007 at 3:01 pm
MM,
Deaf culture is exclusive? Please give me some proofs. I disagree with this.
I do not know you but have you ever been to Gallaudet? Have you talk to everyone at Gallaudet, not just protesters but everyone?
I don’t have to change your mind about the protest as MZ said it is your opinions. I believe it is very important to debate this here.
February 2nd, 2007 at 3:06 pm
so sorry about my “yelling”- I meant to highlight it in bold letters- not to “yell” at you, mm.
Raphael J. St. Johns
February 2nd, 2007 at 8:30 pm
A big yes to #54!
February 3rd, 2007 at 12:08 am
#53 MM… you called them zealots?? you started to label them in negative ways. I think i will start to ignore your comments from now on. Your comments sometimes make no sense. you are angry… confused… labelist… MZ, you did a good job explaining to MM the reasons for the actions against IKJ and JK. I think MM does not read or try to understand you. I enjoy reading the debate among the people.. but MM starts to get nowhere. I will just skip MM comments from now on.
February 3rd, 2007 at 2:23 am
Here is Fernandes’ CV, if anyone wants to see if she qualifies as being a scholar:
PDF:
http://gallyprotest.org/fernandes_cv.pdf
Online:
http://web.archive.org/web/20060523062219/pr.gallaudet.edu/presidentalsearch/?ID=8640
February 3rd, 2007 at 7:50 am
MZ,
I don’t know if my too much English blog link:
http://resurrectionofasl.blogspot.com/
will be more helpful for any bloggers and vloggers to stay strong feel better themselves and keep more motivation to keep ASL and Deaf Studies for our future Gallaudet???
February 3rd, 2007 at 9:16 am
MZ, What astonishes me the most is your constant hatred against Dr. Fernandes.
Lets review for one second, take a breath, the PSC made her a finalist, the board hired her, the board terminated her because of what some may say scare tactics by the protesters.
Dr. Fernandes is still a very intelligent person who has beliefs just as yourself. I have not once seen her personally attack you or anyone else directly.
The protest is over, she has her life to live even though you wish her the worst. That’s what hateful, self centered people do.
So tell us all why you are really hostile at destroying her. She is no longer at Gallaudet, you got what you wanted yet it doesn’t seem to be enough.
What has she personally done to you or anyone else foe that matter which requires the hostitlity you are projecting.
Dr. Fernandes has improved and helped the deaf community as a whole regardless of your beliefs and I am sure will continue to do so regardless of your beliefs.
What have you done to make it BETTER?
February 3rd, 2007 at 10:43 am
Albert W
I notice deaf Americans begin to be rude and cruel to MM who is a deaf foreigner.
shame on you.
February 3rd, 2007 at 11:50 am
Jim, I suggest you read my comments above. As long as Fernandes continues to mislead the the media about Gallaudet, I will defend this university by pointing out the truth.  Hatred? Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t even know her. This is not about her personally, but her lack of effective leadership and the stakeholders’ reservations about flawed presidential candidate search being ignored. I don’t approve her actions which continue to be harmful to Gallaudet and deaf community.  Some people just don’t get it. No matter how much we explain, they remain “clueless”. Denial?Â
Along with others, I gave Gallaudet stakeholders venues to communicate to the outside world  despite the oppression of the administration and also helped them become empowered.
February 3rd, 2007 at 8:26 pm
MZ,
Do you really believe that Dr, Fernandes is in the business of harming Gallaudet and deaf people in general? I suggest you research some of her accomplishments before making haphazard statements about her.
She was also very much a part of the Gallaudet community who happens to have a different view than you do.
That does not constitute you and others personally attacking her.
You seem to keep ignoring the damage some of the protesters as well as yourself have done to the image of Gallaudet. This is Denial in the truest form.
To keep calling people clueless is just another hateful term you seem to throw out when you want to belittle someone. I realize you will never get it. SAD? You bet it is.
February 3rd, 2007 at 8:50 pm
Yes. Not only I, but also many feel she had harmed Gallaudet tremendously. You only need to check the FSSA website and read countless letters describing reasons for their opposition to Fernandes as the president.  What about the abysmal reviews of her academic programs by PART (Dept of Education) the last five years and her refusal to work with Gallaudet stakeholders, causing them to protest against her. Had she listened and worked with the university the protest won’t have occured? She belittled both Gallaudet and the deaf community by using deaf identity politics to distract the media from the real issues. You often bashed me, acting like a hateful person.
February 4th, 2007 at 8:39 am
In case you aren’t aware the protest is over and Dr. Fernandes has nothing to do with Gallaudet. Your obssessiveness in ridiculing her is getting old and childish at the same time.
One more thing, the protesters wouldn’t even meet with her and here you you saying she didn’t try to work with them. Stop the Lies.
February 4th, 2007 at 9:24 am
The protesters consistently told me that she hadn’t met them except once since the fall semester began. Her noticeably absences from the protest were observed by many who also witnessed the interim provost, Michael Moore frequently meeting with the protesters and trying to work with them, etc.
Fernandes may be out of the office, but she is still attacking Gallaudet through the media, showing her apparent obsession with Gallaudet.  In case you haven’t noticed, I spoke only after she misled the reporter about Gallaudet and deaf identity politics. If she doesn’t want us commenting on her, then the simple solution would be for her to stop the deceptions with the media. She is the one who needs to grow up and accept the protest is over! We’ve already moved on!
February 4th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Dr. Fernandes has nothing to do with Gallaudet or you. She does have a life to live with her own beliefs, they not be the same as yours or your fellow disgruntled protesters.
She has led a very productive life HELPING people with disablities.
I believe her thoughts and comments are what she truly believes. I hardly think she is trying to decieve anyone. It seems she has shaken up some issues that have had a long time coming out to the forefront.
You seem possessed about what she is doing. I suggest you worry about what positive role you are playing in this. To date you have proven to be a good whiner. No one likes whiners!
Get on with whatever life you may have.
February 4th, 2007 at 3:35 pm
 Once Fernandes stops maligning Gallaudet and Deaf Community, she will be left alone. I suggest you get over your obsession with Fernandes. Nobody is forcing you to come here, but yet you are here again and again. You must really like me.
What positive role do I have? Hmm, let’s see, I’ve been nominated for four blog awards and won two, including Best Advocacy Blog. I would say that many people see me in a very positive light.  My life continues to be very productive.
Tell Fernandes stop maligning Gallaudet and deaf community and you both go on with life. We are doing very well, thank you.
Bye Bye
February 5th, 2007 at 12:06 am
Since some commenters are here only to bash others. the comment section is now closed as bashing isn’t constructive nor positive.
April 18th, 2007 at 2:14 am
nice photos of this blog