Central Floridians For FSSA

Money Raised for FSSA

2006-11-25T17:56:00.000-05:00

Thank you Central Floridians for FSSA!

We raised and donated a total of $120 dollars in which was given to FSSA!

Again, thank you!

Central Floridians for FSSA!

ALERT - READ - SECOND DEMAND NOT YET MET - READ - ALERT

2006-11-24T10:47:00.000-05:00

Hello Central Floridians

I received this email from a friend of mine who asked me to send this to you, please read this and send this link to other people who may not have been aware of this website. The students NEEDS your help. Their morale is at all time low. They need the support from you. Injustice still occurs at our beloved Gallaudet University.

Central Floridians for FSSA

"I have a favor for you to ask

Would it be possible for you and other central Floridians to start pressuring BoT about meeting the second reprisal? They are to meet on first week of Dec.. not sure which date. Can you also start pressure on BoT about why security guards, physical plant dept workers, and rental cops are still on payroll after they assaulted 30 students, breaking both the university staff policy and DC laws, but they are still on payroll with no punishment at all, while the students who committed minor misdemeanors are being punished WAY out of proportion

It is getting really bad at Gallaudet. The morale of the students is getting low now due to lack of support and I am very worried about them. It is getting harder on me, doing this on the Internet mostly alone. I need help from FSSA groups on this now."

A friend

Beautiful Letter from Elizabeth and Dave About Being Thankful!

2006-11-23T17:20:00.000-05:00

This has been an incredibly difficult year for Gallaudet and the Deaf Community. We witnessed a severe split in both communities, with many relationships strained or ruined. We saw students assaulted and their rights trampled. They haven't received justice yet as long as the paid employees who harmed them are still working, despite the fact that they broke the university staff conduct policy and DC laws. The 135 people arrested on Black Friday are experiencing reprisals way out of proportion to their misdemeanors.

The lid of oppression was opened in 1988 and closed in 1990 with the death of student activist Carl Dupree. Now the lid has been blown into pieces and it will never be closed again. We have become more empowered than ever in the history of the deaf community.

We will never go back and bear the chains of oppression again.

However, we still have a long way to go. Gallaudet is still in a very big mess. The ousting of Fernandes is the first step, but we need to work on the flaws that made this fiasco possible. We didn't do it after DPN and because of that failure, the anarchic and oppressive system was still practiced. Hence another protest, Unity for Gallaudet, and this time we need to fix the broken system so Gallaudet won't be crippled with oppression, audism, racism, and management by intimidation. Once the wounds are healed and shared governance is up and running, we'll know that Gallaudet is ready to move forward proudly with full sails.

But let's take the day off today and be thankful for all the blessings we have.

We are thankful that the students are no longer sleeping outside in freezing temperatures. We are thankful that the students are having a break from Gallaudet, to be spent with their families and/or friends.

We are thankful that the Deaf Community rallied and supported the students during the first phase of the protest. We have seen unity in both Gallaudet and theDeaf Community, as never before. We saw new understanding between deaf people about the -isms separating us. Many alumni renewed old friendships and many new friendships arose. Comradeship flourishes again.

We have seen an explosion of deaf blogs and vlogs, thanks to DeafRead who helped bring them all in one site. The Deaf Community drew closer. Despite attempts by Gallaudet to impose at censorship on campus, information flows freely as never before. We have moved up to a new awareness, to a new stratosphere. We have become more empowered, more than we did in 1988.

Have a Happy Thanksgiving, everybody

Elizabeth and Dave

Check Out Joey Baer's ASL Vlog - Afterthoughts #2

2006-11-22T20:35:00.000-05:00

A good question was asked, what is next for our tent cities?

http://www.joeybaer.com/

Any thoughts?

INPUT PLEASE RE: Deaf Professional Happy Hour for Central Florida (DPHH-CF)

2006-11-15T20:43:00.001-05:00

WAS IT A SUCCESS? INPUT! THOUGHTS! OPINIONS!

Some stated it was not a success whereas others stated it was.

OUR FIRST LOCATION

Friday, November 17, 2006
Captain's Cove Grill and BarPort of Sanford
4380 Carraway Place
Sanford, Florida 32771
Time: 8pm- 2am
At 9pm, all drinks 25% off due to DPHH!!

Sounds exciting, hope to see you there!

http://www.dphhcf.com/

Powerful and Moving Speech By Donalda Ammons

2006-11-15T20:39:00.000-05:00

http://www.terisentelle.com/vlog/?p=59

Brenda Jo Brueggemann Resigns from Board of Trustees

2006-11-09T21:54:00.000-05:00

To Brenda Jo Brueggemann

I belive your decision to resign from the Board of Trustees as the Board Chair was in the best interest of Gallaudet University. Not only have you suffered please also bear in mind the many students, staff, faculty, parents, alumnis, and friends and families of Gallaudet, too have suffered the many mishaps of the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees have allowed the oppression to have occured over the many years at Gallaudet University.

With this said, Gallaudet University can continue to heal.

Central Floridians for FSSA

http://news.gallaudet.edu/?id=9692

Orlando Tent City - Success!

2006-11-06T21:21:00.000-05:00

Get Your Own! View Slideshow

We had a gathering in Orlando to provide people of Central Florida to get together for a pincic and opportunities to discuss what has been happening Gallaudet and how we as Central Floridians for FSSA can help Gallaudet for it's tomorrows. In addition, we discussed ways we can strengthen the Deaf community of Central Florida.

First, everyone got together who had opportunities to catch up with the latest news with the situation at Gallaudet, to meet new people as well as see old faces. Afterwards we had presenters discussing about the situation at Gallaudet as well as strengthening the Deaf community in Central Florida, had a bison song, and finally we wrapped up the gathering and said our goodbyes. It was a success!

Melissa shared her experience while a Gallaudet student in the fall of 2006 when the announcement of Dr. Jane K. Fernandes being selected as the next President of Gallaudet took place and the aftermath up to the recent annoucement of Dr. Fernandes being terminated as President.

Christian discussed the future of Gallaudet and how we can help strengthen Gallaudet University Alumni Association (GUAA) as well as expressing an interest in establishing a chapter in Orlando. He discussed about the importance of helping Gallaudet move forward as an university and how we can contribute.

TJ discussed about the need for the education of those who are not involved or aware of what is happening at Gallaudet and the 'push' for others to be involved so to make Gallaudet a better place for its' future. We discussed various ideas of how to make the Deaf community better in Central Florida in which participants contributed. TJ thanked everyone for attending the event as well as the importance of continuing to support Gallaudet.

In closing, both Melissa and Christian did the Bison Song in which they borrowed ideas from other FSSA chapters as well as adding ideas of their own to the song. People were inspired from this.

Thank you for attending, and we're looking to have many more events to provide gatherings for Deaf people and its' friends of Central Florida to get together.

For more information contact: centralflfssa@hotmail.com

Unity for Gallaudet and for Central Florida!

Central Floridians for FSSA

People who attended this event were:

Lisa Montalvo
Joseph Murray,'04
Renee M. Geary, '88 and '93
Lauren Huseby '02, Jessiah Huseby, and family
Christian DeNight, '94
David Welker, Jr
Heather Diehl and family
Billy Carter, Patty Carter, and family
Miriam Sokoloff
Daniel Myatt, Tina Myatt, and family
Daniel Matamoros, Kelly Matamoros (Alumni), and family
Lisa Templet, '92, Judy Reed, and family
Mary Lauer
Frances Ray
Michael Trillo Sr.
Angie Guttler, '05
Vivian Linero
Barbara Chaves and family

Excellent Article in Washington Times

2006-11-04T18:46:00.000-05:00

Excellent article in the Washington Times by Jonathan Zimmerman

http://www.washingtontimes.com/commentary/20061101-091540-9958r.htm

Enjoy!

Unity for Gallaudet!

Gallaudet University's Mission and Vision Statement

2006-11-02T18:28:00.000-05:00

http://www.gallaudet.edu/x237.xml

Ths is Gallaudet University's Mission and Vision Statement. I urge you to read this and use such information when fighting for a cause. For instance, you will find that Gallaudet University aims to remove any, "barriers," check it out:

"Gallaudet will value and nurture the wealth of cultural, linguistic, and ethnic diversity which enriches our community."

"Cherishing the different experiences each of us brings, we will use them to enhance learning. Valuing freedom of expression, we will view our entire community as a forum for the exchange of ideas and scholarly debate. Striving to be a model multicultural community, we will ensure that at Gallaudet deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people are able to communicate directly without barriers. Respect for all will be a hallmark of everything we do."

Apparently this is not the case when it should be, feel free to use such as it is your university.

Unity for Gallaudet!

Article in NY Times About Gallaudet - Signs of Revolution

2006-11-01T20:07:00.000-05:00

This article was excellent and very much well to the point. It basically sums it as being as a friend put it, "disenfranchised."

Read on!

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/10/31/opinion/31cohen.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

Unity for Gallaudet!

Response to Office of Alumni Relations Letter

2006-11-01T19:12:00.000-05:00

Dear Mr. Sonnenstrahl,

I am in agreement for a better Gallaudet University for our tomorrows. It is now time for the University as a whole to pull together and move forward as we work together for a good cause. It is time for us to pull up the rug and see what's beneath it and clean such mess up.

With this said, I am upset at your email that you sent out to the alumnus.

Andy Lange, who is the President of the GUAA, asked for access to the email addresses to the alumnus and he was not given such access. This was a huge mistake so to alienate the alumnus from the place we proudly call our home which is Gallaudet. This only led us to become more aware of what truly has been happening and how many of us have been oppressed or lied to or manipulated by certain members of the University. It has been amazing how things have unfolded at this University. Little did I know about Dr. Jane K. Fernandes and thankfully for the blogs, articles in the newspapers, news on the television, I became more aware of who she is as a person and as a professional, and am in full support of the termination of Dr. Jane K. Fernandes. I have been in awe at such revelations on behalf of students, staff, faculty, families, and the Deaf community as a whole. I thank these brave people.

We only received one side of the story consistently from the office of Alumni Relations/Public Relations. When reading your letter, I can only honestly question the intention of such letter. Too often things were covered up or hidden from the alumnus. Thankfully for the blogs or websites such as: www.deafread.com, http://www.elisawrites, www.ridorlive.com, http://mishkazena.wordpress.com, www.gufssa.org, and many more. Just today, you sent out the letter including the statement from Dr. I King Jordan, Dr. Jane K. Fernandes, as well as two letters from the Board of Trustees. Today is Wednesday, this was sent out on Sunday. This only shows the delay of information and only proves my concern that we had to rely on other means to be able to get the 'whole story'. If not for these or technology, many of us would have been left out. Not only this but for friends, families, and/or loved ones reaching out to others so to explain the current situation at Gallaudet. For this very reason, is the reason why Gallaudet exists because of the love we have for this fine university as it was evidenced for the past six months as well as its' existence since 1864.

A proud parent of one student said, "it's like walking on eggshells," so to explain the current climate at Gallaudet. To truly represent Gallaudet, all stories should be out in the open, and no such secrets should be held back, if you truly want to heal and earn trust once again. Statements should not only be restricted to the Board of Trustees or the President but representative of the University as a whole. I am sorry to say I've lost trust in the Alumni Relations.

A Proud Gallaudet Alumni

Once again,

Unity for Gallaudet

Dear Alumnus,

On October 29, the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees terminated Dr.Fernandes' appointment as President-Designate (currently effective) and President (effective beginning January 1, 2007) at Gallaudet University.Four announcements were released by the University Public Relations Office -two from the Board of Trustees, one from Dr. Jordan, and one from Dr.Fernandes. You will find these announcements below.

We all need to build Gallaudet's future and begin the process of healing. Many members of Gallaudet's community, including alumni have been deeply affected by these recent events. There are many issues that this protest has brought forth and there is work to be done. The first steps are the hardest and often the most important. With the action they took, the board gave us an opportunity to heal and address these issues---together.

I will do my best to keep you informed of new developments.

Sincerely, Sam Sonnenstrahl, '79 & G-'84
Director of Alumni Relations
Executive Director of GUAA

Contradictions, oh my, once again!

2006-11-01T19:02:00.000-05:00

http://www.gallaudet.edu/x237.xml

With the recent worries about whether or not staff and faculty would face reprisals for expressing their views or standing up for what they believe in, I did a research with Gallaudet University's website and searched for Gallaudet's Mission and Vision statement, and here is what I came across which was on the bottom of the vision statement which was:

"Cherishing the different experiences each of us brings, we will use them to enhance learning. Valuing freedom of expression, we will view our entire community as a forum for the exchange of ideas and scholarly debate. Striving to be a model multicultural community, we will ensure that at Gallaudet deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing people are able to communicate directly without barriers. Respect for all will be a hallmark of everything we do."

I believe if we emphasize the above with our Board of Trustees and educating those who may not be aware of the mission and vision statement to use the above quote to help improve the Gallaudet University.

Once again,

Unity for Gallaudet!

Please help the faculty and staff who stood up and shared their beliefs

2006-11-01T15:30:00.000-05:00

http://mishkazena.wordpress.com/2006/11/01/reprisals-still-on/

click on the link and please share your concerns with the Board of Trustees - the faculty and staff who stood up and shared the same beliefs as the FSSA does are in sore need of your help - enough is enough - we need to move forward as an university -

Once again

Unity for GALLAUDET!

An Update from A Gallaudet Unversity's Mother on Current Situation

2006-10-31T20:14:00.000-05:00

Hello,

Sorry I did not email yesterday. Everyone seemed happy and cautiously optimistic. Kind of weird vibe on Campus. Seems like people are walking on egg shells trying to heal. Students are scrambling to catch up with work and rest.

They have announced that the kids arrested will not be suspended. They will go case by case to give consequences. I think Chas will get community service or have to write a paper. That was a relief.

Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Now lets pray for healing and a new president that can unite all Deaf and Hard of Hearing. There is always power in numbers, UNITE for all.

Hugs,

Kim Wirick

ASL Translation of Dr. Robert Johnson's Letter on Gallaudet University's Crisis

2006-10-31T20:12:00.000-05:00

Interesting video that helps us all understand the situation at Gallaudet University

Click here: ASL translation of Robert Johnson's letter on Gallaudet crisis - blip.tv (beta) (Full Screen)

Unity for Gallaudet!

Check Out CBS Evening News

2006-10-30T23:23:00.000-05:00

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=2135951n

Kudos to everyone involved in a good cause for the better of Gallaudet

Unity for Gallaudet!

ABC Evening News - Check It Out

2006-10-30T23:04:00.000-05:00

http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=2617013

Unity for Gallaudet!

Check Out Video - Associated Press - Reactions to Dr. Fernandes' Termination News

2006-10-30T22:02:00.000-05:00

Click here: AP Video

ASL Professional Happy Hour (ASLPHH) - Tampa, FL

2006-10-30T21:30:00.000-05:00

Hello everyone,

Welcome you all who are part of the deaf community, deaf and, hearing to join us for ASL Professional Happy Hour. ASL Professional Happy Hour or also known as ASLPHH gives you an opportunity to socialize and meet new faces on a friday of every month. On the 3rd of November, ASLPHH will be held at Splitsville at Channelside in downtown on 615 Channelside Dr. Ste 112 Tampa, FL 33602 (813) 514-2695 View Map. The Happy Hour starts from 5pm to 8pm. I apologized for putting off this announcement. I will try to email you the annoucnements for ASLPHH of each month in advance. Please forward this email to ur friends and family. We're looking forward to meeting you this Friday.

Lastly, I would be apprecaite your emailing me with a list of suggestions of where to host at the bar and restaurant in Tampa Bay. Email me at ASLPHH@yahoo.com and please add to your email address.

Thank you,

Michele

Latest News - Hunger Strikers - Update

2006-10-30T21:28:00.000-05:00

Check out this link to obtain information on the hunger strikers. Keep these people in your thoughts.

http://mishkazena.wordpress.com/2006/10/30/hunger-strikers/

Unity for Gallaudet!

The new debate, Should President I. King Jordan Stay as President for Gallaudet University?

2006-10-30T21:25:00.000-05:00

Interesting debate as to whether or not Dr. I. King Jordan should stay as Gallaudet's President.

Thank you once again, for providing ongoing update with Gallaudet University.

http://mishkazena.wordpress.com/2006/10/30/should-jordan-stay/

Unity for Gallaudet!

Reactions Upon Hearing the News Of Dr. Jane K. Fernandes' Termination

2006-10-30T21:20:00.000-05:00

Thank you for sharing the reactions upon hearing the news of the termination of Dr. Jane K. Fernandes as President-Designate.

Once again, thank you for providing ongoing updates on the situation at Gallaudet University.

http://mishkazena.wordpress.com/2006/10/30/reaction-upon-hearing-resignatino/

Unity for Gallaudet Unversity

Gathering for Central Floridians - Tent City of Orlando Still On - November 5th

2006-10-30T20:47:00.000-05:00

The Gathering is still on for November 5th, 2006 (Sunday) from 2 - 5 pm!

We will have a Bison Song, Unity for Gallaudet Song, and opportunities for people to discuss the situtation at Gallaudet, its' past, present, and future. The concerns will be passed onto to Gallaudet University's FSSA.

Food will be provided (sandwiches). Please bring a dish (potluck dish) and your own drink (no acholol, please). Feel free to make a donation in which will be given to Gallaudet Unversity's FSSA organization.

In addition, we will discuss how we can strengthen the Deaf community in Central Florida.

The gathering will take place at:

Central Florida Zoological Park (Sanford, FL)
3755 N. West 17-92
Lake Monroe, FL 32747
http://www.centralfloridazoo.org/

Please let us know if you will be attending and anyone else coming with you so we have an idea of how much sandwiches we need to bring. Please contact us at:

centralflfssa@hotmail.com

Hope to see you there! Bring your friends or family members!

Unity for Gallaudet!

Central Floridians for FSSA

Response to Gally Tent City Mayor Corrigan's Last Words

2006-10-30T19:39:00.000-05:00

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

Dear Mayor of Gally Tent City

I have been in awe of you and the videos in which you've given presentations to for all of us to see and share with one another both in and out of Gallaudet University. Many of what you shared, I was in total agreement with, and agreed with you on the need for a better Gallaudet for our tomorrows. I believe the decision on behalf of the Board of Trustees to decide to terminate Dr. Jane K. Fernandes was in the best interest of Gallaudet both personally and professionally.

However I do not support your choices of words which were, "....what did we achieve, we achieved the impossible, that is the removal of our biggest villain in our deaf community, other different kinds of community, and the world, that person is Jane Fernandes, is now removed...."

Dr. Jane K. Fernandes, while in my opinion, was not the strongest candidate for the position as President of Gallaudet University however, she is a human being, and with this said, we need to respect this. She, to me, is not a villain, however is a human being who may have done things in the past that were not in the best interest of Gallaudet University. We should hold back our own personal feelings towards Dr. Jane K. Fernandes as we had our voice in this heard. She, like many of us, loves Gallaudet. As she said yesterday in her statement, "....I love Gallaudet University and I believe I could have made a significant contribution to its future. I hope that the Gallaudet community can heal the wounds that have been created. I trust that we all want a stronger, better, more inclusive Gallaudet...."

Now like you said, we have the opportunity to move forward as an University in which ALL members of the Deaf community and its' family and friends are welcome. Let's move forward with love and compassion for Gallaudet and let's all respect one another like the way we would like to be respected whether or not if the person did respect us or not.

To borrow one of my quote from a previous blog, "When one falls, the other one helps by picking the one who fell and helping that one go on with the journey wherever the journey may be."

Unity for Gallaudet!

Remember Dr. Jane K. Fernandes is still human - Dr. Jane K. Fernandes' Statement

2006-10-29T21:12:00.000-05:00

Greetings Central Flordians

Despite the good news from the Board of Trustees' meeting announcing the termination of Dr. Jane K. Fernandes' as the President-Designate and President, please bear in mind that this person is human so please provide Dr. Fernandes with respect and dignity.

Let her depart Gallaudet with grace and allowing ourselves as well as Dr. Fernandes with the opportunity to heal and move forward as an University.

When one falls, the other one helps by picking the one who fell and helping that one go on with the journey wherever the journey may be.

Signature: Gallaudet University - Public Relations/Visitors Center

Statement by Jane K. Fernandes

"It is with deep regret that I heard the Board's decision to terminate my contract. I love Gallaudet University and I believe I could have made a significant contribution to its future. I hope that the Gallaudet community can heal the wounds that have been created. I trust that we all want a stronger, better, more inclusive Gallaudet where ASL and Deaf culture have been and always will be at the core of academic and community life."

Unity for Gallaudet!

Dr. Jane K. Fernandes' Termination on Orlando's WFTV

2006-10-29T21:07:00.000-05:00

Hey Central Floridians,

Check out this website:

http://www.wftv.com/education/10186126/detail.html

As it is about Dr. Jane K. Fernandes who was just terminated by Gallaudet's Board of Trustees.

Unity for Gallaudet!

TAMPA TENT CITY - SUCCESS

2006-10-29T21:03:00.000-05:00

Get Your Own! View Slideshow

With the recent annoucement of Dr. Jane K. Fernandes being terminated as the next President of Gallaudet, this gives a celebration for the future of Gallaudet.

With this said, it definitely was a blessing to have a gathering at the Lettuce State Park in Tampa, Florida yesterday after this event nearly being postponed to another time.

First, everyone got together who had opportunities to catch up with the latest news with the situation at Gallaudet, to meet new people as well as see old faces, as well as for students from the University of South Florida to put their signing skills to practice. Afterwards we had presenters discussing about the situation at Gallaudet, and finally we wrapped up the gathering and said our goodbyes. It was a success!

Bo shared his experiences about his recent trip to Gallaudet and the march to the Capital with other students, faculty, staff, alumni, parents, family members, and members of the Deaf community at large as well as reasons for Dr. Jane K. Fernandes' resignation.

Kim gave a moving presentation about her son's recent arrest on October 13th (Black Friday) which touched many of the participants at this rally. She asked for Dr. Jane K. Fernandes' resignation and reasons for such request.

TJ discussed about the need for the education of those who are not involved or aware of what is happening at Gallaudet and the 'push' for others to be involved so to make Gallaudet a better place for its' future.

Mary thanked everyone for attending the event as well as the importance of continuing to support Gallaudet.

Thank you for attending, and we're looking to have another event celebrating a better Gallaudet!

For more information - contact: centralflfssa@hotmail.com

Unity for Gallaudet.

People who attended this event were:

Jamie Walker
Krystal Kreutzherger
Rhonda Beeby
Sandy Marchman, Alumni
Heather Gretman
Brian Paille
Julia Miller
Lisa Montalvo
Mary Burns '76 Alumni
Sarah Hickman
Virginia Hopkins
Bo Clements, Alumni
Kim Wirick (A proud parent of a Gallaudet Student)
Rebecca Kingsley
Steven Whitley
Kyle Kline
Jay Einhorn '00 Alumni (Long Live Gallaudet)
Barbara Gottko
Rachel Livingston
TJ Murray, '04 Alumni
Rosemary Vault (Go Gally!! Fight for your rights wisely and peacefully)
John and Danelle Gournaris, Alumni
Wayne Beeg

Statement by Dr. I. King Jordan

2006-10-29T18:48:00.000-05:00

Signature: Gallaudet University - Public Relations/Visitors Center

Statement by I. King Jordan

"The struggle during the past several months has been very painful for all of us. I am deeply troubled by the divisions among us and by the anger that overtook reason, respect, and civility.

"Now we must all come together for the sake of Gallaudet, particularly for the sake of Gallaudet's students--those who are our students now and those who will be students in the future.

"Iwant to thank Jane Fernandes for her dedication and courage and her standing up for what's right. I am personally saddened--for Gallaudet and for Dr. Jane K. Fernandes--that she will not have the opportunity to show Gallaudet and the world what a great president she could have been. Her vision and her plans to make that vision come to life would have guided the university we all love into a bright future. The Board of Trustees saw that promise when they selected Dr. Fernandes as president. In order to resolve the current stalemate the Board has deemed it necessary to steer a different course, and I accept their decision. Now we must all put down our weapons of words and seek to restore a sense of community.

"In my Town Hall speech last November I said there is more that unites us than divides us. I think we lost sight of that for a time and we must work together to refocus on the core values that unite us. We should not look for a resolution to the struggle of recent months in terms of winners and losers. If we do, Gallaudet and our students will be the losers."

Board of Trustees Terminated Dr. Fernandes' Appointment As President-Designate and President

2006-10-29T18:05:00.000-05:00

Signature: Gallaudet University - Public Relations/Visitors Center

TO: Campus Community

FROM: Board of Trustees DATE: October 29, 2006

RE: Board of Trustees Meeting

Today, we announce with much regret and pain that after serious deliberation in a special, all-day Executive Session of the Board of Trustees, we have voted to terminate Dr. Fernandes' appointment as President-Designate (currently effective) and President (effective beginning January 1, 2007) at Gallaudet University.

We understand the impact of this decision and the important issues that inherently arise when a Board re-examines decisions in the face of an on-going protest. The Board believes that it is in the best interests of the University to terminate Dr. Fernandes from the incoming President's position. Although undoubtedly there will be some members of the community who have differing views on the meaning of this decision, we believe that it is a necessity at this point. The Board is continuing to meet to discuss transitional issues.

It has certainly been a difficult and trying time for our Gallaudet community. Now is the time for healing. The hope of the Board of Trustees is for our beloved community to come together to work for a stronger and better Gallaudet.

On Reprisals

The Board of Trustees respects the right of people to express their views in a peaceful manner. However, individuals who violated the law and Gallaudet University's Code of Conduct will be held accountable. We expect the University to honor its long tradition of respect for each other and property and to return to normal.

Let's all take a moment and take the moment to think of all who stood up for the best of Gallaudet and for the opportunity to heal and move forward as an University and its' community beyond the gates.

Unity for Gallaudet!

CBS News: Free Speech by LaToya Plummer

2006-10-28T22:29:00.001-04:00

LaToya Plummer is currently a Gallaudet student and she is one of the 4 leaders!! She gave her free speech on CBS News with Katie Couric at 6:30pm last night. LaToya did a superb job by giving her belief and honesty. If you missed LaToya's Free Speech on CBS News, go and read her transcript --- exactly the same words what she said on the news. http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/27/freespeech/main2131071.shtml.

Unity for Gallaudet!

Must SEE Joey Baer's Vlog!!!

2006-10-28T16:31:00.000-04:00

Hey Central Floridians,

You must see Joey Baer's Vlog and there are many video clips that all Deaf individuals use ASL!! There are clear and well-explained!!! Get into his website: http://www.joeybaer.com/ .

Enjoy!!!

Unity for Gallaudet!

Hunger Strike --- Deeply Concerned!!!

2006-10-27T06:04:00.000-04:00

Day 14 of Hunger Strike
Filed under: General — gufssa @ 5:42 pm
Seven people continue the hunger strike at Gallaudet University. One person has stepped out due to deteriorating vision (she has ushers syndrome).
The others have stopped drinking nutritional supplements, such as V8 juice in a statement that they are increasingly distressed by the lack of responsiveness by the University administration.
To this day, Dr. Jordan and Dr. Fernandes have not once come out to see the group or contacted them for a meeting.
On Monday, October 30th, several of the hunger strikers will stop fluids alltogether if Dr. Fernandes is still in office.
We as a community are deeply concerned. At least one of the hunger strikers is making a statement that he will not stop, even if it results in the loss of his life.
We are distraught that the University continues to display poor leadership skills- to the point that they seem inhumane.

Cogswell Staff Reflects On the Murders and Dr. Jane K. Fernandes' Leadership Style from 2000-2001

2006-10-26T18:49:00.000-04:00

26 October 2006
Mr. Craig Plunkett
Portland, Oregon
craig7501@aol.com

Dear Mr. Plunkett:

We are the former residence hall staff members at Cogswell Hall where your son, Eric, was found murdered in his room. We have not had a chance to really know you and your family. We truly wish that we have had the opportunity to know each other. Perhaps one day we will meet face-to-face.

When we recall our experience together as a team, we talk about what we went through with both homicides. Like you and your family, we will never forget what we went through. It was what you will call an emotional rollercoaster. In a sense, that emotional rollercoaster bonded us even more than many may think. And the fact that we were directly involved with this gives us the right to talk about it among ourselves.

Let us reiterate this once again: no one will ever understand what we all went through unless one has experienced it.

We read your letter in the Washington Post endorsing Jane Fernandes as the ninth President of Gallaudet University. While we respect your right to endorse Dr. Fernandes, we strongly feel that we need to set the record straight here pertaining to how we, as a collective group, were treated by Dr. Fernandes and her administration.

We have not spoken out because there has been no reason to bring in the deaths of Eric and Benjamin Varner into the picture. But since this door has opened by you or by the university/Jane Fernandes, we are speaking out now to set the record straight. It is a door that we truly never wished to have seen opened in the first place.

First of all, we are very concerned that you may not have listened to the other side. It is safe to assume, based on an excerpt of your letter, that you may have been misled by the University administration:

As far as I can tell, a very small group -- maybe 10 percent -- of the current student body seems to despise president-designate Fernandes. These students generally have no clue what it takes to run a university or how a university president is chosen.

Ninety percent of the student body understands that the most important thing in their young lives is education. Ten percent of the students are disrupting the educational process for the 90 percent who get it. Twenty years from now these students will not care one who was president of Gallaudet during their time on campus.

Last spring, 81% of the student body voted in a poll within a span of two academic days indicating that they do not support Jane Fernandes. At the same time, 66% of the University Faculty voted no-confidence in Jane Fernandes as the president-designate. 79% of the teachers at the Clerc Center do not accept Jane Fernandes as the next president.

And last week, 82% of the University Faculty voted no-confidence in Jane Fernandes and demanded her resignation and we have seen protesters continue their fight.

We have to ask you these questions:

Does it make any sense if these protesters continue to protest if they didn’t have a clue in the first place? Did you know that these protesters are the cream of crop at Gallaudet? We see honor students, student government leaders, Greek organization members, student organization members, and so on. Why would they risk their reputations, their integrity, and their sanity if they felt Jane Fernandes was NOT the right choice? Why would they risk being arrested for a cause they believe in?

We also have the Alumni Association, the National Association for the Deaf, and the California Coalition of Agencies for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing, along with other national organizations decrying the tactics of fear, intimidation, and the use of the “deaf card.” Why would they risk their reputations or their integrities?

And why would the University Faculty risk their reputations and integrities in passing a vote of no-confidence for Jane Fernandes, I. King Jordan, and the Board of Trustees? Why would a lot of alumni send in letters of support for the protesters risk their reputations?

The way we see it, this is far more than 10 percent of protesters who, according to your belief, ‘despise’ Jane Fernandes. And no, we don’t see them as despising Jane Fernandes. We see them protesting against ineffective leadership by someone who has proven that once too many times.

Like we said earlier, your endorsement is your choice, but we need to share with you how we, as a collective, were treated by Jane Fernandes in the aftermath of Eric’s death. We know that this may be painful for you to read but it is equally painful for us to talk about it, especially to the family of our resident. We feel strongly that you deserve an explanation direct from those who saw the fury of Jane Fernandes and lived through it.

We will grant your contention that she gave your family the support you needed, we are giving you a more accurate picture about her support to us as a collective group.

For starters, she did not reach out to the Cogswell staff. She simply sent her direct reports to handle that. If she truly cared, she would have reached out to us in addition to her direct reports.

We remember the night very well when Eric was found in his room and this is our painful story, six years later, and it is being told to explain why Jane Fernandes is unfit to lead Gallaudet University.

We remember seeing our Coordinator of Residence Education (CRE), Karl Ewan tell us that there has been a death in the residence hall. We remember listening to him tell us about how Eric was found by two of us, Thomas Koch and Lauren Buchko, and verified by Karl and another CRE, Evon Black along with Gallaudet security officers. We remember seeing Amanda Hilleque fight back tears. We remember Evon vomiting outside of the residence hall and being consoled by security officers after being told by security officers to re-verify once again. We remember Billy Kekua being shocked. We remember Cookie Brand visibly upset. We remember Thomas freaking out because he found Eric and had to drag Karl to the room. We remember Karl being confused with Thomas’ demeanor because he did not tell Karl what was behind the door until he opened the door and saw a grisly scene. We remember our Graduate Assistant (GA) Rory Osbrink having to cut his evening with his father short and stepping up to the plate. We remember Scott Pfaff have that look of disbelief on his face. We remember Lauren consoling Thomas and being upset. We remember Jin-Kyoung Kim’s look of horror because it happened on the floor below her and her worry about how her residents would be reacting. And most of all, we remember seeing our residents’ shocked faces when they saw Eric’s body be transported out of Cogswell by EMTs and Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) forensic technicians.

Fernandes was nowhere to be seen nor did she attempt to reach out to us.

We remember Christopher Soukup, the Student Body Government President, coming down to Cogswell and ask us what was going on. We remember Rory telling Chris that a body has been found in a room. We remember seeing Chris’ shocked face because no one from the administration, including Fernandes, ever alerted him about it. Rory got in touch with Chris and told him to go to Cogswell.

We remember seeing Billy, Thomas, Lauren, Amanda, and some residents transported to MPD’s 5th District (5-D) station to be interviewed. We remember seeing a task force of MPD officers, FBI agents, and Secret Service agents confirming to Chris, Rory, and Karl that it was now a homicide investigation in the Resident Advisor office.

We remember seeing Karl tell us that he had to go over to 5-D because some of his staff and residents were freaking out at the station. We remember seeing Joseph Mesa being interviewed by the detectives as well. We remember how glad we were to see Karl come in and reassure us that all would be OK. We remember being told by the police officers after watching the early morning news that it was a homicide. We remember the looks of horror on each other’s faces, including Mesa’s. We remember seeing Thomas start to blame himself for his failure as a Resident Advisor.

Fernandes did not come over to 5-D and reassure us. Only Karl came over on his own accord, and we knew that he gave a damn about us. We were there at 5-D through the night until dawn.

We had a debriefing with the Mental Health Center at the Gallaudet Kellogg Conference Center (KCC) with the staff of Krug Hall, we made sure that our residence halls were staffed so we all could go together and talk about what happened and how we felt. That debriefing was moderated by the late Dr. Barbara Brauer and Ms. Kendra Smith. We were making progress and halfway through the meeting, a Gallaudet security officer barged into the room we were in and said that Fernandes wanted to meet with us. Dr. Brauer objected to the interruption and the security officer insisted once again. So we left the KCC and walked to our residence halls. Dr. Brauer and Ms. Smith came with us. When we arrived, we were told that the meeting was cancelled. Dr. Brauer and Karl were very furious because the meeting was productive and for it to be interrupted with the premise of an important meeting with Fernandes then to have it cancelled definitely reeks of insensitivity for us as a collective. And we were equally furious.

No efforts were made by Fernandes to reach out and explain why she cancelled the meeting. No efforts were made by her for further debriefing. We did not feel good about the meeting because we were treated poorly by Fernandes.

We were told that we must man the residence hall 24/7. “Check the IDs,” “No visitors allowed,”“We need someone to cover this shift,” “We need this and that to be taken care of,” and so on without any clear explanations. It was chaotic for each one of us and stressful. Some of us wanted to walk out because we were not getting the support we needed. Karl and Rory made sure that we were given the support we needed. For that, we are thankful for them. The support we received from them enabled us to bond even stronger and that nothing would stop us from giving up.

Not once did Fernandes ever call a meeting to ask us this:

“How are you doing?”

She was distant and solely depended on her direct reports. We are giving credit where it is truly due to the following individuals: Dwight Benedict, Susan Hanrahan, and Carl Pramuk for being there as much as possible. But no one will understand what we went through together and they and no one else ever will until they experience it. And that is an experience we do not wish upon anyone else.

At our Christmas gathering at a Hop’s Brewery in Alexandria, Virginia, we looked at each other in amazement … we went through hell ourselves. And we told each other how we felt and toasted to each other and to the memory of Eric. Not one of us ever had a glowing word about Fernandes because she was not there for us nor did she attempt to reach out to us personally.

We had no idea that the terror was not over for us and our residents …

Let us fast forward to February 2001, Benjamin Varner was found murdered in his room on the 4th floor. Scott Pfaff found Benjamin’s body as part of a routine check during a fire alarm. When he found it, he went over to the railing and asked Karl to please come up. It was about 4 a.m. when Ben was found. We remember seeing Scott looking freaked out. We remember Joseph Kolcun, another Resident Advisor from Benson Hall, going up to support Scott and seeing Benjamin’s body as well. We remember seeing Karl run up and return back to the railing and seeing him enter Rory’s 4th floor apartment and wake him up. We remember seeing Rory go to Scott and Joseph to make sure they are all right and seeing Benjamin’s body.

We remember Karl coming down and asking us where Thomas was. When we responded to him that he was at his girlfriend’s room in another residence hall, he was relieved and told us not to contact Thomas nor let him in the residence hall.

We remember Karl’s look when he told us that it was another body and it might be Benjamin’s. We remember seeing the shock and hurt on our faces. The feelings of “oh, no … not again” resurfaced. We remember the lessons learned from Eric’s death and started to mobilize empty rooms on the first floor for crisis counseling. We remember seeing Karl get on the phone and call security to come over immediately as the fire alarm was still ringing and to implement the emergency contact system for the university administration.

At 4:30 a.m., the residents were allowed in the building but not to their rooms. They were in the lobby. We remember a worried-looking I. King Jordan come in the building and speak with Karl. We remember seeing Bernard Holt, Director of Security and his supervisor, Fred Kendrick, affectionately known as “Preacher Fred,” come in at 4:45 a.m. We remember seeing a lot of MPD officers. We remember seeing the faces of horror on our residents when they saw EMTs come in with a gurney.

Fernandes came in approximately 9 a.m. dressed in a bright red dress. We were wondering why it took her five hours to come in. We remember seeing her go right up to the second floor without asking how we are doing. We remember seeing a counselor come up to Karl and say, “I understand what you are going through.” We remember his reaction when the counselor responded negatively to Karl’s question on whether or not she had experienced finding a dead body. We remember Dr. Alan Marcus come to Karl and say, “Are you OK?” We remember Dr. Brauer and Dr. Allen Sussman come in and talk to us. We remember the counselors’ grateful faces when they were told that we had set up crisis counseling rooms on the first floor. We remember seeing Karl telling Preacher Fred and the other CREs not to contact Evon about what happened.

Not once did Fernandes thank us for our thinking ahead nor ask us how we were doing. We saw her be busy looking good in her red dress for her moment with the media.

We remember seeing Karl and Rory go up to the 4th floor to talk with Joseph, Amanda, and Scott. They gave a damn for them. We remember Preacher Fred talk to us. He also gave a damn as well.

Where was Fernandes? She was nowhere to be seen. Here we go again … being
insensitive to her students and to us.

We remember being moved to the upper cafeteria while Karl was trapped in his apartment. We remember Karl paging Rory to ask him to find out why he was not allowed to leave the apartment. We remember not seeing Cookie because she was kept isolated for eight hours without any food nor an understanding why she was kept isolated in the first place. We remember Rory asking Fernandes that there are 100+ residents in the upper cafeteria and they are hungry and being told by her that she will take care of it. We remember three hours passing by when Rory went downstairs to the cafeteria manager to explain about the situation. We remember Rory coming back up and assure the residents that they can get something to eat downstairs and approaching Fernandes about why she has not done anything and seeing her response:

“I forgot all about it.”

100+ terrified students were hungry and Fernandes forgot about them! They were herded from Cogswell by the MPD and not allowed to go outside on their own. We remember seeing her in the cafeteria and she forgot! We remember consoling our residents who kept on asking us what was going to happen to them or when would they be leaving. We remember Rory’s relieved face when he was told that Dwight managed to get Karl out of his apartment. We remember seeing Karl come to the cafeteria to check on us and his residents. We remember seeing Joseph break down and accompany us in solidarity because he understood what we went through together. We remember supporting Joseph with his experience. Although he was never part of the residence hall staff, we consider him one of us.

Not once did Fernandes console Joseph on his experience.

We remember the anguish in seeing our group split up and reassigned to other residence halls because Cogswell was declared a crime scene by MPD. We remember the sadness on Karl’s face when he told us that we were to split up. We remember sitting in one empty room with Dr. Frank Ziezula, an expert on death and dying … an opportunity to heal denied once again because we were split up without anyone talking to us first on how we felt. We remember Dr. Ziezula lead the discussion on how we felt. We didn’t really heal because we were told about the split up. Granted, splitting us up was probably an appropriate decision but splitting us up without talking about it first was wrong.

And there is one moment that we cannot forget: Karl telling us that he broke down with Dwight about what was happening and saying that he was ready to walk away from this. We remember persuading Karl not to walk away and we were grateful to learn that it was Dwight who truly talked him out of walking away. We saw a side of him that we never saw before. He was not just the person whom we enjoyed working with very much. He was in the same boat as we were in. We stuck together as a team and nothing would stop us. Even a camping trip for us was frowned on by Fernandes because the university was lacking the manpower to supervise the residence halls. That hurt us because we were denied the opportunity to heal twice by Fernandes. But thankfully, we had the opportunity to go on our camping trip so we could begin the healing process.

You say that although these students were not there when Eric and Ben were murdered and they would not tolerate a demonstration. We will agree with you that would be true because everyone was shell-shocked that it happened at Gallaudet. If there were demonstrations against Jane back then, it would be insensitive and a grave insult to both families and to the memories for the both of them. However, for us to read your letter in the Washington Post, we saw the necessity to step in and set the record straight here.

How can she lead if she forgot all about 100+ hungry and terrified students after a second homicide and neglect the residence hall staff that had to endure two homicides in a span of eight months? To us, that is called ineffective leadership in a crisis and it speaks volumes about the future, especially her current leadership in this crisis.

Jane Fernandes called the protesters terrorists, dissenters, and anarchists. If she uses such strong language to describe the protesters, then she is calling us terrorists, dissenters, and anarchists because we are making a statement based on what we went through with her.

Craig, you know what the strangest thing for us is especially after being treated like this by Fernandes? We don’t even hate her. We don’t despise her. Why would we? Hate and despise are strong words. “What do we feel?” you will ask …

We feel sadness for who she is and what kind of leader she is. We are strong believers of karma – what goes around comes around. The protests, the no-confidence votes by the University Faculty, her autocratic leadership style, and her continued dismissive arrogance are part of her karma for whatever fury she unleashed unto our august institution. She is as deaf as we are. So it’s not about her “not deaf enough.” It’s about her leadership style … her autocratic leadership style.

We can say that we have not forgotten what we went through as a team although we have moved on in our lives and no longer have an association with the institution other than being members of the Alumni Association with the exception of Joseph who is employed by the institution.

Are we healed? We cannot answer that question ourselves as a collective … only individuals can answer that. We want you to know that the resignation of Jane Fernandes will certainly speed up the healing process.

We sincerely hope that this picture has been made clearer for you and your family about what really happened.

We wish you and your family well and we hope one day our paths will cross in better circumstances.

Regards,

The Cogswell Hall Staff – 2000-2001 Academic Year

Karl Ewan – CRE
Thomas Koch – 1st Floor RA
Keith Clark – 2nd Floor RA
Scott Pfaff – 3rd Floor RA
Billy Kekua – 4th Floor RA
Rory Osbrink – GA
Cookie (Brand) Roang – 1st Floor RA
Jin-Kyoung Kim – 2nd Floor RA
Lauren (Buchko) Huseby – 3rd Floor RA
Amanda Hilleque – 4th Floor RA
Joseph Kolcun – Benson Hall RA

cc: The Washington Post
The Buff and Blue
Jane Fernandes
The Gallaudet University FSSA Coalition

This morning's event, please read, and donate to FSSA

2006-10-25T19:59:00.000-04:00

Reading this letter upsetted me, please read, and share your thoughts. I urge you to contact your representatives or senators, and urge them to get involved, this is becoming rather an unsafe environment, and I worry for the well being of the people involved.

http://www.bloglines.com/blog/Deaf-Advocate?id=75

Unity for Gallaudet!

Dr. Jane K. Fernandes Responded

2006-10-25T19:51:00.000-04:00

After reading the open letter to the Alumni, I responded with resentment, particuarly with Dr. I. King Jordan wanting to exploit the alumni, however would not allow the GUAA have access to our email to provide the other side of the coin of what's happening on our beloved campus. I included Dr. Jane K. Fernandes in my response, and here is what she wrote.

Seems that Dr. Jane K. Fernandes can't speak for herself so she relied on a quote from the Board of Trustees, read on, and share your thoughts.

Dear XXXXXXXXXXX:

You are entitled to your views, but I disagree with you about Dr. Jordan's leadership skills. In 18 years, he has done much to build Gallaudet and ensure its future. In response to your other comments, the Board of Trustees has said this:

"Those of us in the Administration have worked hard to address the concerns raised by the protestors. Clearly, it is the protestors who are tarnishing the image of Gallaudet. They are a very vocal group intent on imposing their demands on the university. They have put their demands above the right of those who wish to continue with their classes and are willing to give President-designate Dr. Fernandes the opportunity to lead the campus.

As you know, Dr. Fernandes does not take office as president until January first, and we do not consider it fair to prejudge her ability to fulfill the responsibilities of that position. We must honor the process by which a university president is typically screened and then appointed; the search and selection process for Gallaudet's next president followed a very standard university leadership search process.

The Board of Trustees and those of us in the Administration believe very strongly that the campus community must give Dr. Fernandes the opportunity to do her job and then assess her performance with open minds. Dr. Fernandes understands and respects American Sign Language and Deaf culture. As president we believe she will act in ways that preserve and promote these core values and the mission of Gallaudet University. We believe the community will come to respect and admire her as members of the Board and many of us already do."

Sincerely,

Jane K. Fernandes
President-Designate
Gallaudet University

Central Floridians for FSSA

2006-10-25T19:41:00.000-04:00

We are people from central Florida who believe in the fight for a better Gallaudet University. We believe in you, the FSSA, and we share your dreams for a better tomorrow for Gallaudet's future. We believe in this, not for our yesterdays only, or for our todays only, but for our tomorrows too. We will have a gathering for people interested in getting together to fight for a better Gallaudet.

Once again, unity for Gallaudet!

Hmph! Senator Martinez replied!

2006-10-23T21:31:00.000-04:00

Greetings all!

Just to provide you an update on the contacts I made with selected legislators from throughout the United States. I'm aware of this being an election year however the crisis at Gallaudet needs immediate attention from the Federal Government.

I contacted Senator Harkin, and spoke with one of his staff member, this staff assured the message would be passed on. I provided my contact information. As of this date, I have not heard back or received a follow up.

I contacted Senator Kennedy, and spoke with one of his staff member, who appeared knowledgable about what was happening at Gallaudet, and agreed some form of intervention was needed, and agreed to pass the message onto Senator Kennedy. I provided my contact information. As of this date, I have not heard back or received a follow up.

I contacted Senator McCain, who serves on the board, and spoke with one of his staff member. Once again, I passed on my contact information. As of this date, I have not yet heard back or received a follow up.

I contacted Senator Clinton, however, I was referred to contact my own state senators in which I did.

I contacted Senator Nelson, same thing as above, no follow up as of this date.

I contacted Senator Martinez and Senator Martinez replied.

Dear XXXXXXXXXXX:

Thank you for contacting me regarding the student protests at Gallaudet University. I appreciate hearing from you and would like the opportunity to respond.

Traditionally, Gallaudet University has been the recipient of federal research funding to improve education for the deaf. However, Gallaudet is a private, nonprofit institution, and governance of the University falls under the control of its Board of Directors. As a federal legislator, it is not within my authority to intervene in the hiring decisions of private entities.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. If you have any additional questions or comments, please to do not hesitate to contact me. In addition, for more information about issues and activities important to Florida, please sign up for my weekly newsletter at http://martinez.senate.gov.

Sincerely,

Mel Martinez
United States Senator

Share your comments, if you wish.

Unity for Gallaudet!

Finally do some get it, hope more will, read on!

2006-10-22T23:35:00.000-04:00

Do read and share your thoughts!

http://thirdestatesundayreview.blogspot.com/2006/10/students-of-gallaudet-university-are.html

It is definately a nice read!

Unity for Gallaudet!

Interesting two different perspective of Dr. Jane K. Fernandes' leadership style during the murders on campus.

2006-10-22T22:29:00.000-04:00

Notice once again another contradiction

A family who shared how much Dr. Jane K. Fernandes was there for the family during the murders on campus at Gallaudet.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/10/20/AR2006102001268.html

yet another view from an alumni of Gallaudet, Davina Brimmer who shared a different perspective.

http://indyforfssa.blogspot.com/2006/10/open-letter-from-davina-brimmer.html

Any thoughts?

Unity for Gallaudet!

Beautiful Video of Faculty Protesting

2006-10-22T18:22:00.000-04:00

Thank you for your support.

Unity for Gallaudet!