Gallaudet Parents United

PUG Thanks Dr. Davila for Communications to the Gallaudet Community after Virginia Tech Shootings

2007-04-25T09:48:00.001-07:00

PARENTS UNITED FOR GALLAUDET

April 25, 2007

Dear Dr. Davila,
  In light of the recent tragic shootings that took place at Virginia Tech, Parents United for Gallaudet, would like to thank you and your staff for the recent communications sent out to parents and families. We appreciate having access to the latest information on events and happenings taking place on campus. The safety of our students is always first on our minds. These communications are an important step forward in keeping parents and families up-to-date and linked to Gallaudet.

Many Thanks!

Parents United for Gallaudet
Representatives
Tami Hossler, FL
Wilton McMillan, KY
Zibby Bayarsky, CA
LIz Katz, MD
Gail and Martin Kessel, DC

Nominations for Gallaudet Board of Trustees Members

2007-03-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

Nominations of Board of Trustees Members

March 2, 2007

Pamela Holmes, ‘74, chair of the Board of Trustees announced a request for nominations of new members of the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees following today's meeting of the Board. New trustees will be selected to serve terms beginning in October 2007.

"We are seeking individuals who are dedicated to making Gallaudet a model of academic excellence and diversity," Holmes said. "We want dynamic individuals who are committed to active participation in Board and committee meetings and many other activities crucial to Gallaudet's mission."

Four documents have been made available by the Board's Committee on Trustees for those interested in submitting a nomination for themselves or another individual.

"These documents were created to make the role of a trustee, the criteria used, and the process as clear as possible," said. Dr. Harvey Goodstein, ‘65, chair of the Committee on Trustees. "We hope this additional transparency and clarity will result in a stellar group of candidates."

The documents are:

Trustee Selection Timelines
Gives deadlines for submissions, dates for review and voting by Board of Trustees.

Trustee Duties and Additional Information:
Covers the number of trustees, duties and powers, committee responsibilities, term length, time requirements, voting, and compensation.

Trustee Nomination Process:
Explains establishment of the Board of Trustees, process for submitting nominations, preliminary and committee reviews, Board action and public announcement.

Trustee Selection Criteria:
Gives the qualities being sought in potential candidates.

After reviewing these documents, if you have additional questions, direct them to botnominations@gallaudet.edu

Trustee Selection Criteria
Trustee Nomination Process
Trustee Duties and Additional Information
Trustee Selection Timelines

http://bot.gallaudet.edu/x3681.xml

2007-02-02T14:54:00.000-08:00

2007-01-24T07:00:00.000-08:00

PUG Meeting with Dr. Davila Jan. 13th 2007

2007-01-24T06:29:00.000-08:00

Parents United for Gallaudet met with Dr. Robert Davila on Jan. 13, 2007.

The purpose of the meeting was to introduce PUG to Dr. Davila, explain more about PUG and its role, to discuss current issues and concerns and lend PUG’s support to Dr. Davila in moving Gallaudet forward.

Parents who attended were Frank and Diane Corrigan, Thelma Schroeder, Wilton McMillan, Tami Hossler, Liz Katz, Rick Hernandez, Gail Robinson and Jen Thomas.

The meeting was very successful and PUG looks forward to working together with Dr. Davila in continuing to support the students at Gallaudet.

PUG Representatives to meet with President Davila

2007-01-10T07:27:00.000-08:00

PUG representatives will be meeting with Gallaudet President, Dr. Robert Davila, January 13th at 1:00 p.m. in College Hall.

We will keep everyone posted.

Tami and Wilton

Welcome Message from Interim President Robert R. Davila

2007-01-02T15:45:00.000-08:00

Office of the President
COLLEGE HALL
800 FLORIDA AVE. NE
WASHINGTON, DC 20002-3695

January 2, 2007

Dear Faculty, Teachers, Staff, Students, Alumni and Friends of Gallaudet University:

Today is my first day on the job as interim president. It is with a great sense of purpose and humility that I write to you. It is an honor and a privilege to come home and to have an opportunity to serve the community at Gallaudet University. I extend my personal thanks and appreciation to the Board of Trustees for appointing me and for demonstrating confidence in my ability to provide the leadership that will be required during my tenure.
As a community we have had a difficult year in 2006. Today we begin a new year. Together we can heal the hurt and seek greater understanding from one another. We have an opportunity to make Gallaudet an even better university and preserve its leadership role as the world's major resource for deaf and hard of hearing people. In the coming days and weeks, I will be looking forward to meeting as many of you as possible. I will be scheduling a number of opportunities for us to meet formally and informally. It is my intention for these meetings to be the beginning of ongoing dynamic conversations and exchanges among all of us, including other stakeholders from our national and international communities. Together, through open processes, we will define the challenges that lie before us and plan collectively to overcome them. Together we will find innovative solutions and make the hard choices that will assist our university to achieve greatness.
We are a diverse community of people with a wide range of backgrounds and ideas which draw strength from the shared passion and conviction that Gallaudet is a unique and valuable service organization. I am committed to providing capable leadership to find ways to ensure that everyone has a voice and that their ideas are valued. Together we can learn to respect, understand, and cherish each other and our diversity. This diversity of people and ideas is our strongest asset.
In the coming days I will be making some initial decisions about my administration. Some decisions will be immediate and others will involve a process of input and reflection. I anticipate that the coming days and months will engage us in conversations that will energize us and propel us along a unified path.

I ask for your support, your patience and your collective wisdom and energy. Working together, Gallaudet University will continue to have a bright and lasting future.

Warmest regards,
Robert R. Davila
President

You can view a video of President Davila’s message. Link at “Inside Gallaudet”

PUG Letter of Congratulation to Dr. Davila, Gallaudet Interim President

2006-12-22T08:33:00.000-08:00

PARENTS UNITED FOR GALLAUDET

December 20, 2006

Dear Dr. Davila,
            On behalf of Parents United for Gallaudet (PUG), we would like to congratulate you on becoming Gallaudet's Interim President. Our organization is made up of Gallaudet parents and families from across the nation. We continue to grow rapidly and have gone from 25 to several hundred in two months time. Our purpose is to support our children who are Gallaudet students.
            Countless Gallaudet parents and families from all across the United States watched your speech on Sunday. Your words were inspiring and they were words that through action will be of great service to healing the campus of Gallaudet and the Deaf Communities throughout the world.
            As you know, the events that transpired since last May were what brought the Deaf world together to stand behind those that began the protest. The issues became more than just removing Jane Fernandes as President Elect due to a flawed search process. The steadfast conviction that the person who leads Gallaudet must be representative and respectful of the people who are being led resounded from every corner of the world. The protest became a civil rights movement in freedom of speech, rights to assemble, democracy, and social justice.
             As a result of Black Friday, October 13th, when 134 students were arrested by orders of Dr. Jordan, parents came together. Many traveled great distances to be at Gallaudet during that time. Those that couldn't were immediately communicated with via email. Instant bonds were formed. Our natural instinct to protect our children pulled us together. The students that were arrested are all our children.
            Throughout the protest, various parents from different parts of the country came to Gallaudet to protect their children from harm. On October 19th, the first group of 25 parents came together and had a formal meeting with Dr. Jordan regarding events that were taking place on campus. At that time, a variety of concerns were raised including the arrests, safety of students, and lack of communication between parents and administration with Dr. Jordan. Unfortunately, our concerns were ignored.
             From there, in order to get accurate and up-to-date information on the events that were unfolding on campus, we found it necessary to organize, create a website, and a system of email communication. We were able as a group to lobby Congress including such prominent offices as Senator Ted Kennedy, Senator John McCain, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey, Congressman Ray LaHood, Senator Tom Harkin, and Congressman Pete Stark. In addition we meet with Gallaudet administrators, lent support to the students, faculty and staff at Gallaudet, and worked with other Stakeholders.
            This past October 31st, PUG became an official member on FSSA Leadership Council, and we hold two seats on the council.   On November 11th, we held a Breakfast meeting with eight Board of Trustee members in attendance. We spoke mainly on "amnesty of reprisals" and asked for the Board of Trustee's support. Through all the pain of seeing what our children had to endure in order to be heard during the protest and through similar pain of seeing those trying to deal with reprisals, this issue remains our top priority. As parents, we could not be more proud of the students who stood up for their love of and belief in Gallaudet. They risked so much for the sake of the future of this University. They are true heroes of Gallaudet.
             We remain a steadfast united organization of parents who are here to see that Gallaudet continues to thrive and move positively forward. You give us hope that you can make the changes necessary at Gallaudet to heal the community and campus while continuing to provide quality education.
             As you know, the Board of Trustees came back on December 14th with a statement that they will continue with Judicial Affairs proceedings. The Campus memo from Pamela Holmes was sent on behalf of the BoT to the campus community that same night after PUG had just earlier that day sent her a request for the key constituencies to be heard in front of the Board. Although Pamela very kindly responded to our email, our request went unanswered. (See our attached correspondence with Pamela Holmes on November 14th and her response.)
            It is apparent more than ever in history, that there is a huge communication breakdown happening on the campus of Gallaudet. We hope that you will help open those lines of communication once again. We would like to arrange a meeting with you soon after the first of the year. We would like to meet on Jan. 11th. Wilton McMillan will be in contact with you to schedule such a meeting.
            Attached you will find our first meeting presentation with Dr. Jordan dated October 19th and our most recent letter to the Board of Trustees dated November 27th.   We wish you much success and look forward to working together with you and other key constituencies of Gallaudet.

Respectfully,

Parent Representatives for Parents United for Gallaudet
Wilton McMillan    Kentucky
Tami Hossler        Florida
Lizabeth Katz       Maryland
Zibby Bayarsky    California
Martin Kessel       Washington, DC

cc: Student Body Government
       FSSA
       Faculty Senate
       GUAA
       NAD
       Pamela Holmes, Chairperson BoT
         Michael Moore

Attachments (not posted): PUG Meeting with Jordan
                                            PUG Letter to BoT-Reprisals
                                             PUG Correspondence with Pamela Holmes

Important Update on the Protest Judicial Process

2006-12-16T02:40:00.000-08:00

Statement by the Gallaudet Board of Trustees

December 14, 2006

"At its November 11, 2006 meeting, the Gallaudet University Board of Trustees placed a freeze on any further steps to enforce the University's Student Code of Conduct for actions during the protest.

The decision to freeze was made to give the administration time to bring back more information to the Board to ensure a more informed decision.

At its December 9, 2006 meeting, the Board received a report from President I. King Jordan and Mr. Carl Pramuk, Dean of Student Affairs, on actions that were taken and in process prior to the freeze. The Board concluded that the judicial process has been conducted according to University policies, that these matters are appropriately under the jurisdiction of the student judicial system, and that the judicial process should move forward."

Robert Davila named Interim President of Gallaudet University

2006-12-10T20:03:00.000-08:00

Office of Public Relations

EDWARD MINER GALLAUDET MEMORIAL BUILDING
800 FLORIDA AVE. NE
WASHINGTON, DC 20002-3695


(Washington, D.C.) Today, Gallaudet University Board of Trustees Chair Pamela Holmes announced the selection of Robert R. Davila as interim president of the university.

Dr. Davila, who is deaf, served from 1996-2004 as vice president for the National Technical Institute for the Deaf, one of seven colleges of Rochester Institute of Technology. In 1989, he began a four-year appointment as Assistant Secretary for the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services in the Department of Education where he was the federal government’s chief advisor on federal policy affecting the education and vocational rehabilitation of the nation’s 40 million persons with disabilities.

“Gallaudet is extremely fortunate to have Dr. Robert Davila as its interim president,” said Ms. Holmes. “He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to Gallaudet at a time when the University faces many opportunities, a! s well as many challenges.”

Dr. Davila, who holds a Ph.D. in Educational Technology from Syracuse University, is no stranger to Gallaudet. Not only is he an alumnus [Class of 1953], but he worked on campus from 1972-1989, during which time he held progressively more responsible teaching and administrative positions, including as a member of the university’s Department of Education faculty, director of the Kendall School, acting dean of the Model Secondary School for the Deaf and, for eleven years, vice president of the University’s Pre-College Programs.

“I am honored to once again serve my alma mater,” Dr. Davila said. “I am fortunate to possess the energy, drive and dedication that will be required to lead our University over the coming months. I will seek to bring support and benefit to all constituent groups on campus and beyond.”

Dr. Davila officially assumes his presidential duties January 2, 2007.

Important Letter to the Board of Trustees from Parents and Families United for Gallaudet

2006-11-27T09:46:00.000-08:00

PARENTS UNITED FOR GALLAUDET

To: The Board of Trustees, Gallaudet University

Re: “Amnesty of Reprisals”

Date: November 27, 2006

Dear Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University:

Thank you to those members of the Board who attended the breakfast meeting with us on November 11th. Your willingness to “open the door to direct communication” with the constituencies of Gallaudet is a welcoming new experience which is greatly needed and very much appreciated. The establishment of an Interim President Selection Advisory Committee gives us hope that you will continue to respond positively to all the issues in the same manner.

We are looking to the Board of Trustees to give immediate attention to the issue of “Amnesty of Reprisals” in the same way attention was given to that of Interim President. This is a very pressing issue on campus and we respectfully urge you to work with us and the rest of the constituencies towards a swift resolution.

Our Recommendations:
1. We are requesting that the Board of Trustees:

Suspend all Judicial Affairs proceedings
Hold a Board Meeting specific to the issue of Amnesty of Reprisals.
Invite key constituencies to speak on behalf of this issue in front of the entire Board.

2. From this meeting, we recommend that:
·         A committee of constituency representatives be formed to investigate all the issues related to who should be held accountable.
·         Investigations would include all parties involved in the protest including the administration.
3.       We request that the Board of Trustees meet independently of the administration in order to make the most impartial decisions as possible.

            Since we recommend the Board of Trustees grant amnesty of reprisals related to the protest, we also propose the campus return to Status Quo Ante. We believe, that in all fairness, there should be “No Penalties” for those who stood up and participated in the protest. We recommend the Board remove the following reprisals ordered by the administration:
·         Jobs and internships that were suspended or lost.
·         Judicial Affairs filings against those arrested.
·         Student suspensions and expulsions dating back to April.
·         And all other disciplinary actions without due process against students, staff, and faculty involved in the protest.

            We believe that the Gallaudet community will not heal and Gallaudet will not be able to move forward until the issue of Amnesty of Reprisals is addressed. Gallaudet University is the beacon of hope for Deaf and Hard of Hearing People across the world. We are committed to Gallaudet University and we appreciate the opportunity to work together with you. We look forward to your response and hearing back from you soon.

Respectfully,

Parents United For Gallaudet (PUG) Representatives
Wilton McMillan, awmcmillan@tmail.com
Tami Hossler, onthego321@aol.com

Cc: National Association of the Deaf
       Gallaudet University Alumni Association
       Student Body Government
       Faculty Senate
       FSSA
       BDSU
       Michael Moore, Interim Provost
       Carl Prumak, Dean of Student Affairs
       Hillel Goldberg, Judicial Affairs Coordinator

PUG Update from Tami and Wilton 19th November 2006

2006-11-19T17:03:00.000-08:00

Hello PUGs...

We are busy with the aftermath of the protest. November 11th, the Board of Trustees showed some real willingness to open their door to communication. Several key groups of constituencies Staff, Faculty, Students, and Alumni were invited to appear before the Board to discuss their ideas on an Interim President. We were invited to a Breakfast meeting in which eight BOT members sat and listened to our suggestions and recommendations. From these meetings, the Board of Trustees allowed for an Advisory Committee to be established to aid in the selection of an Interim President. This committee has now been formed and has already held its initial meeting. http://news.gallaudet.edu/?id=9776

Our main focus at the Breakfast Meeting with BOT was the issue of Reprisals asking for amnesty of all protest related reprisals and Judicial Affairs proceedings be put on hold until the Board of Trustees can address this issue. We and other key groups around campus are continuing to follow up with BOT on this. We firmly believe that the issue of reprisals must be fairly address before real healing can occur.

We are also continuing to stay involved in the cases of those students who were assaulted by DPS during the protest. We recommend all parents and families continue to support and follow-up as well with their student's case.

We, PUGs, also need to continue to find ways to celebrate our students and their accomplishments from this protest. What they did for Gallaudet is incredible and we must find ways to let them know again and again that we are so proud of them!

Our group of PUGs is continuing to grow. We are now over 200 parents and family members, and we hope to continue that growth into the future. Because we are so new, only one month old, we have lots to do but we are becoming more and more organized everyday. We now have parent coordinators who organize what we need to attend, we have parents on hand to attend meetings when necessary, we have parents who are our writing team, we have a hardworking email networker, and we have two fabulous website masters.

It is amazing what we have accomplished in one month. Every single one of you no matter how little or how much you contributed should be applauded!!
Thank you all for continuing to stand behind our students and the future of Gallaudet!!

Tami and Wilton

PUG - Our work is not done!

2006-11-14T15:49:00.000-08:00

Calling Parents United for Gallaudet!

Our work is not done...
There is much to be done...
And this picture helps us to remember...
Help when and however you can!

Tami

Saturday Breakfast Meeting with Members of BOT: Tami and Wilton Reporting

2006-11-14T15:36:00.000-08:00

Breakfast Meeting with BOT: November 11, 2006

Wilton and Tami had the wonderful opportunity to meet with many members of
the Board of Trustees on Saturday morning at 7:00 a.m. in the Bistro at the
Kellogg Conference Center at Gallaudet. Susan Elliot was so kind to put this
informal breakfast meeting together for us since the Board did not have time
on their agenda to allow room for PUG to present.

However, this breakfast meeting turned out to be one hour and a half which was
an incredible amount of time to get the full attention of the individual board
members that showed up. Those that came were:

Susan Elliot, Harvey Goodstein, Ben Soukup, Cheryl Heppner, Bill Graham,
Pamela Lloyd-Ogoke, Dick Kinney, and Chris Sullivan.

We began our meeting by explaining a little bit about PUG and how we
came to be organized. We informed them that our size has grown to over
200 members in less than four weeks and that we also have
prospective parents wanting to join. We described PUG as a diverse
group of parents who came together to support and stand behind our
adult children. Wilton explained that our purpose in the future might
be to become one of the best recruitment systems for Gallaudet. They
seemed to be quite impressed.

Our first issue and suggestion on the agenda was Reprisals. We asked
for amnesty of all reprisals involved in the protest. We explained how
lack of neutral mediation and lack of attention to the students’
requests from the BOT and Administration caused the protest to occur.
We stated that this protest was not supported by one group alone and
that faculty, staff, students, parents, alumni, deaf leaders, and the
Deaf Community came to support and back the students demands. The
actions that occurred were within the framework of a peaceful protest
and had begun because of the total lack of response from the BOT and
Administration.

One of the BOT members interrupted and said to Wilton and Tami that
the students who were arrested and those that used force
against DPS were to be held accountable. We said "no" - our students
never used force against the DPS and that the opposite was true. I
told the Board members that I was there for three weeks and saw the acts that
took place and was witness to the things that IKJ did against the
protesters. We talked about the bulldozing of tents and opening of
gates incidents and what we saw first hand. We stated if the BOT must
hold someone "Accountable" then it should be everyone involved including
the BOT, Administration, Students, Staff, Alumni, Parents, World
Leaders, and the thousands that marched to Capitol Hill.

We asked that the Judicial Affairs be put on hold until an impartial
committee investigates the mandates by Administration and policies and
procedures. We also explained that reprisals have already occurred
without mediation, without investigation, and without due process. We
gave examples of student and faculty job losses and internship suspensions
for those students arrested. Students are being told at Pre-hearings these
possible disciplinary actions may include suspension from sports activity.
Many on the Board had no idea of these disciplinary actions. They
thought the consequences would be minimal because the arrests were
considered a misdemeanor. Wilton explained our meetings with Hillel
Goldberg, Carl Pramuk, and Michael Moore and that we also were told that
the consequences would be minimal but now that the students are going
to their pre-trial, and we are getting a different story.

We told the Board that we are proud of those students for standing up
for what they believe in and willing to be arrested for the future of
Gallaudet. But we are not willing for them to be the ones who have to
be held totally "accountable".

Overall we felt like the BOT gave us a lot of attention and listened
to our input and hopefully learned some important things from our
conversation. They gave no input as to their plans but simply
listened.

We thanked Susan Elliot for setting up the meeting and thanked
all those who came to listen to PUG's input.

Tami Hossler and Wilton McMillan

Board of Trustees Meeting Saturday November 11th

2006-11-10T05:33:00.000-08:00

The Gallaudet Board of Trustees will meet at GUKCC Saturday starting at 9:00. Invited are tentatively five faculty members, three students, four GUAA members. The first meeting will be held with the faculty. PUG has requested time to present as well, but at this time there is no confirmation that this will occur. Susan Elliot, BOT member, did reply back to us directly and has requested PUG put together a list of suggestions for the Board on how to remedy our concerns that were stated in our "Open Statement to the Board of Trustees".
Tami

PUG's Open Letter to Gallaudet BoT

2006-11-10T04:16:00.000-08:00

Parents United for Gallaudet (PUG)
Open Letter to Gallaudet Board of Trustees
November 8, 2006

Dear Gallaudet University Board of Trustees,

We represent parents who have established ourselves as an organization called Parents United for Gallaudet (PUG) and in less than three weeks has grown to over 200 parents. The on-going events throughout the entire protest prompted the formation of PUG. Our initial concern was for the safety and emotional well-being of our adult children. While we were continuously concerned, dating back to May, when all this began, we chose to continue to have faith in Gallaudet University to work with the Board of Trustees promoting mediation and open dialogue of the all the issues involved in the protest. We hoped that a fair resolution would transpire from this. However, the crisis on campus continued to escalate until 135 individuals including students and a few alumni were arrested. The arrests galvanized parents from across the United States, including parents of students who were not arrested, to come together to reach out and support all of the students at Gallaudet and their families.

We want to thank all of you on the Board of Trustees for looking deeper into the dynamics of what occurred on campus and deciding to terminate Jane Fernandes as President-Elect. For the sake of the students, faculty, staff, and the greater community, we believe our Board of Trustees made a very historical and positive decision for Gallaudet University, and for this, we thank you.

As we enter this time of transition, we realize that it is a time of healing for everyone involved. We, as a parent organization, would like to offer our assistance with this process. Many of the parents have been here and are still here as we write this letter working closely with administrators, students, and other constituencies of Gallaudet. We have been meeting to develop a better understanding of the transition process, to address issues of concern, and to create a positive link between our students, administration, and our Board of Trustees.

We request that prior to your next meeting or during the meeting itself, FSSA, GUAA, and PUG representatives be invited to stand before your Board of Trustees and present the concerns of the University’s key Stakeholders, (students, faculty, staff, alumni, and parents). We believe their input will give you invaluable insight and a fuller understanding of the issues, and the critical information needed to help make decisions as we move forward that are in the best interests of Gallaudet University and the people who support it.

It is our sincere hope that the Board of Trustees will consider our request. In the meantime, we hope all members of the Board will continue to be open to input from not only the Gallaudet University Community and the students, but from parents as well. This would include, but not be limited to; the selection of an Interim President, the concerns about the current top Administration, the requests for amnesty from reprisals related directly to the protest, and the re-opening of an all-inclusive Presidential Search Process that promotes diversity.

Looking on to the future, we trust that the Board of Trustees, the future Administration, and the entire Gallaudet University community will become unified with our ultimate purpose being to ensure that the students are receiving the best education in a positive school climate.

Respectfully submitted by,

Parents United for Gallaudet, PUG
Contacts: Wilton McMillan, KY
Zibby Bayrasky, CA
Tami Hossler, FL (onthego321@aol.com)

Cc: BDSU
NAD
GUAA
FSSA
SBG
FS

PUG on Southern California Radio and Televison

2006-11-09T21:36:00.000-08:00

Tuesday, November 7th at 9 am, Supt. Mal Grossinger of the California School for the Deaf Riverside and Zibby Bayarsky will be interviewed on the radio, KVCR-FM (91.9)

Wednesday, November 8th at 7:30 pm on KVCR-TV (Channel 24) PBS we will be interviewed on "Its Your Call".

They will discuss the Gallaudet University situation, CSDR and the deaf community. Zibby will be focusing on parent issues and PUG.

Apparently you can send in your questions to the station to ask us. Even though this is for Southern California, you can still send your questions on line.

http://www.kvcr.org

Parents United for Gallaudet

Report to PUG Friday Update from Tami Hossler and Wilton McMillan

2006-11-03T18:09:00.000-08:00

Yesterday (Thursday) we met with Hillel Goldberg the Coordinator of Judical Affairs at the Judicial Affairs Office. Hillel explained the process of sending the letters to the effected students, the pre-hearing, the hearing, and the appeal.

The students are being charged as follows:

a) Non-compliance with the University decision to open the gates so that education could continue for all three schools on the Gallaudet Campus

b) Disruption of academic and non-academic activities

Although we do not agree that there should be reprisals for these arrests, in the case that there are, we asked they not be connected to past or future infractions. We also suggested consequences be a positive educational experience.

So to summarize this, the tone of our meetings have been positive and has helped to reduce the some of our concerns in relationship to Judicial Affairs and the process. Unless the Board comes back and eliminates the reprisals, it is important for the students to follow the procedures that have been explained to them.

Check out Gallaudet Student Handbook 2006/2007. See under JUDICIAL PROGRAM pages 51-56

We also met with the director of the Gallaudet Mental Health Dept. Lauri Rush. A thank you letter explaining what they had done so far and what they will continue to do was recently sent to you through PUG. We strongly suggested they set up various group sessions along with individual sessions. Lauri has agreed to this.

We continue to meet with FSSA – remember we are now official members of FSSA.. There is a general FSSA meeting Tuesday, November 7th, for everyone who are students, faculty and parents. FSSA will hold a Community Open Forum on Wednesday, November 8th, between 7-9 p.m. We will post the location as soon as we know. Another Open Forum is tentatively scheduled for Nov. 20th.

Once again, we are all working as a great team, but now it is time for the local parents to help attend the meetings that we cannot attend. It is very important for PUG to stay visible on campus during this time of transition. Who of you can help out?? Please contact me ASAP. (Tami onthego321@aol.com)

Tami and Wilton

2006-11-03T08:36:00.000-08:00

Wilton McMillan, Martin Kessel and Tami Hossler meeting at the Kessel's House at end of a long day

Parents United for Gallaudet Update - Tami Hossler

2006-11-01T10:34:00.000-08:00

Wilton McMillan and I have been very busy the last few days with following up on what is next for Gallaudet. We are working hard to see that our parent group (PUG) is involved with the FSSA Leadership Council which will help guide Gallaudet toward the future through the transitional process.

We would like to have your input on how you think we should be involved and what our vision should be. Please send to your thoughts to me at onthego321@aol.com.

Our goal in the next few days is to insure that PUG has a place and a voice in the decision making process.. We will need additional parent representatives that can attend the meetings in the next few weeks and months. If any of you have the time, energy, and willingness to advocate on our children's behalf, be a representative for the group, and are not a Gallaudet employee, please let me know. It is going to take many of us working together to keep us involved. So I am calling upon parents who are local for help. Let me know right away (ASAP) as now is the time for those of you who are interested in becoming involved to do so. Call me or email me right away. Thanks so much and I will keep you updated on our progress.

Also on Monday night we were involved in a meeting with the students who were arrested We are hoping to get a comprehensive list of those students and their parents so everyone gets the same information. If you know of anyone not on the list, please let Zibby know.

Tami

Victory & Updates by Tami

2006-10-30T08:14:00.000-08:00

What an incredible day!

Just when I thought David and I and other parents would have to get arrested on Monday morning for joining the alumni in guarding the Sixth St. gate, the news broke that the BOT had voted that Fernandes resign.

Whew!!!

What a relief and what an overwhelming response from the crowd who had gathered for the rally. The crowd broke out in the biggest cheer of celebration all running to read the news on the big screen in the Field House. Most were very surprised, shocked and elated to see the positive news. Many wondered if it was a hoax but finally were assured it was real.

Then the celebrations really began.

The BOT came to campus and Ben Soukup, Harvey Goodstein, Nancy Kelly-Jones, Pamela Lloyd-O'Goke, Susan Elliot Pam Holmes and possibly others that I haven't mention had a meeting with the Student leaders. They ask the students to have the campus cleaned by 5:00p.m on Monday.

The BOT also said the students arrested must still go through Judicial Affairs proceedings. This issue is still being discussed by the students.

David Reynolds, Wilton McMillan and I are going to meet today with various key people to follow up. Wilton and I may stay till Thursday to follow up and wrap up odds and ends.

This is just the beginning - the new future of Gallaudet. There is lots to be done but with all the incredible people working together to oversee it, we trust Gallaudet will be in good hands.

Thank you to all of you. We are truly a united family!!

We will continue to keep you updated.

Tami

Tami All Smiles!

2006-10-29T16:08:00.000-08:00

A Job WELL DONE!!!!!

Statement by I. King Jordan

2006-10-29T15:38:00.000-08:00

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.

I want 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.

BoT Terminates Jane Fernandes!!!

2006-10-29T15:09:00.000-08:00

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.

Parents United for Gallaudet Daily Report from Tami Hossler and David O.Reynolds

2006-10-29T07:43:00.000-08:00

Sunday Oct. 29th

What a day yesterday! Many incredible Deaf Leaders in our presence at this time. Yesterday, Saturday, two chartered buses arrived at Galludet to take 300 students, faculty, alumni, parents, and others to the Hyatt Hotel at Dulles Airport where we held a rally outside.The BOT meeting was held at the Hyatt because propaganda had been spread by IKJ that it wasn't safe to hold it at Gallaudet The purpose of going to the Hyatt was to get BOT's attention for them to see our faces, hear, and see our cries, to be heard, communicate concerns and visions for Gallaudet, and for them to understand that we are persistent in our demands. We care about the future of Gallaudet. We wanted them to know we are not terrorists or mobs but are peaceful in our protest. .

Last night we had a social gathering with many very involved students, alumni, and parents who shared their concerns, passions, and their visions of the future. We are still optimistic We know we will win inspite of all this oppression, and we know that we will eventually win because we speak the truth. Truth always wins.

Stay tuned.

From Tami Hossler - a Daily report to Gally Parents

2006-10-28T06:08:00.000-07:00

I apologize for taking so long to get word to you all. A group of us
parents and other individuals that have lots of knowledge and backgroundhave hit the hill. It is a long process of repeating a story. It is anemotional process to go through and by the end of the day we are worn out. We have done very well with making sure to educate and advocate to the key players Woosley, McCain, and LaHood's aides plus many other Congressmen who are influential The difficult thing is that Congress is out of session and the Congressmen are not there.

I believe we have had angels drop from the sky over the last two weeks. It seems when I start to feel discouraged, another angel falls to me. Yesterday, I started with two of us again readyto go and lobby. I knew we needed more help, then suddenly who appears...Tim Ruras, Dr.Hank Klopping, and Wilton McMillian. Tim was a DPN leader, Hank is the superintendent of the California School for the Deaf, and Wilton works for the Kentucky Board of Education. What a team we were!!

On campus, there was a press conference meeting in which Dr. Hank Klopping (CA School for the Deaf Superintendent),
Dr. Alan Sussman (previously Dean of Student Affairs at Gallaudet),, Dr. Frank Turk an accomplished Deaf Leader
who estabished Youth Leadership Camp) , Andy Lange (President of the Gallaudet Alumni Association), Bobbie Beth Scoggins (President of the National Association of the Deaf), and Yerker Anderson (an International Deaf Leader). They all spoke and it was very inspiring to have them there standing behind our kids and foundation of Gallaudet. We marched and had a rally in front of Jordan's house with these leaders leading the way.

So I wonder, how can the BOT ignore this!! How can the world ignore this? The rally was held in the rain. The students are persistent in their mission and continue to stay the course regardless of what IKJ and Fernandes and his"big gun" people do.

Parents are flying in for this weekend to be here during the BOT'
meeting. Will continue to keep you updated.

Tami

Tami Hossler - a Daily Report to Gally Parents

2006-10-27T06:14:00.000-07:00

Friday morning Oct. 27th

Yesterday the students had a sit-in in IKJ's lobby and waiting room. David Reynolds and I got there after a long day on the hill. It was cool to see them there. Many brought their homework and some brought posterboard and it looked like they were making more signs. Very peaceful except for one male student was pushed by an administrator. The student called DPS and had them file a report. Good for him!!! I was tired and decided to go sit down in IJK’s waiting room on one of his fancy old couches. All of a sudden out walks Irving. Right past me and we make eye contact. Wondered if he remembered me from our Parent Meeting as the speaker. Then with a tiny smile on his beady little face, he walks through the students who have gathered. Not one of our students gave him any trouble. Way to go kids!!

Prior to all this several parents and staff went the hill and met with several people. Later last night, I was sitting in the parking lot at College Hall in a borrowed car of my daughter's. and the battery goes dead. So I sit there until finally someone came up to the car next to me. I jump out of my car and ask the “woman” if she had jumper cables and she replied "no". But I could call DPS. So I get some paper and I write down the number and say thank you. Then I finally looked up at the man and take one guess who it was??? Good old diabolical Irving. Twice in one day!! Wondered if he recognized me now:)). Good Grief!!

Things are definitely happening and this will be a critical weekend.

Make sure to look often at www.gufssa.com for continuing updates on the situation and amazing letters of support for our cause.

Tami

Second Plea for Peace - Leah Katz-Hernandez

2006-10-26T12:51:00.000-07:00

A month ago… I wrote a plea for peace that was painful for me to write. On October 6th 2006, after students had spent the night in one of the campus’ main academic buildings in response to our Board of Trustees’ inability to resolve the crisis on campus - the students were attacked with pepper spray and physical violence. It was an extremely sad day for Gallaudet and the world beyond it. I thought that only one plea for peace would be enough for this campus, ever. I was wrong.

This morning, my university’s administration thought it was acceptable use a bulldozer to move students’ tents and personal belongings and condone the use of physical force by campus security and janitors (who are mostly hearing and don’t know sign language well).

The University’s Department of Public Safety and some workers from Physical Plant Department (janitorial/maintenance) woke students who was guarding one of the gates up by throwing metal pipes and other debris at the tents. When they got out of their tents, the tents were bulldozed and dumped in other area of the university grounds. Absolutely no interpreters were provided. There was no communication or signing or any kind of warning at all. Things quickly escalated and soon the DPS was beating up students along with help of PPD. The gate was by a high school on the university campus called MSSD and about thirty high school students witnessed the assault, which happened about 9:30 AM. They all left deeply traumatized by what they saw. The gate was then opened without warning (it’s an electronically controlled gate) and in doing so, students were injured also. The PPD blocked it from being able to close by welding metal pipes to the sides, making it impossible to close again. The students pushed the pipes off and pulled the gates shut again. After the news trucks arrived, the assaults stopped and students were ushered to medical attention at the school’s infirmary. About 8 students in total were injured - two were bad enough to go to the hospital.

The DC police arrived on scene and refused to arrest the students who were blocking the gates because they did not see any need to arrest us. When told of student injuries, the police asked DPS if it was true and the answer was “No injuries.” Angry students then led police officers to the infirmary where they witnessed several people’s bloody injuries.

The Gallaudet University’s Public Relations department issued an statement “DPS and Physical Plant employees opened the electronic gate at Brentwood Avenue. They used a front loader to remove tents, tarps, and other material that were blocking the entrance way. Some of the protesters resisted DPS’ efforts to open the gate and were injured, though none seriously.”

When asked “How do you justify using bulldozers that could have put students’ lives at risk?” the University’s president I King Jordan’s answer was “I will take the responsibility. The gates must be open.” He then later commented that injuries and harm inflicted on the protesters was because “This protest is full of violence. I refuse to take responsibility for the students’ rabble-rousing.”

The whole time, Jane Fernandes was sitting beside I King Jordan quietly nodding to everything Jordan said.

We cannot let this continue.

I personally plead to your moral conscience. Do you have daughters and sons?

Would it be acceptable if their university’s administration treated their students in such a way? Would you agree with a situation in where students who rely almost exclusively on their eyes for communication are not only threatened, but actually sprayed with pepper spray? How would you feel if a “front loader” was brought in to move your own tents and personal belongings to a different part of the campus? Being awoken by the feel of metal pipes hitting you? Having the university administration condone physical violence resulting from miscommunication? Would it be acceptable to let a president designate… who allowed situations to escalate from just five tents to buildings takeovers, the entire campus shutting down, repeated assaults from DPS on protesters, students utilizing hunger strikes to make their voice heard, an successful vote of 82% by the faculty asking for resignation, and having four thousand stakeholders peacefully march to the nation’s Capitol just to be heard… become that university’s next president?

We are your sons and daughters. We are at Gallaudet University. This is not a nightmare. This is our reality, our life, and our daily horror.

I am now regretfully making my second plea for peace at Gallaudet University.

Sincerely,

Leah Katz-Hernandez

Tami speaks out - thoughts at the end of a long and difficult day

2006-10-26T06:21:00.000-07:00

What will be next? I am sure you all have learned that IKJ ordered the Kendall and MSSD gates open yesterday and used force to do this. The gate at MSSD was open for a short time. Several of our kids were injured while the DPS applied force to do this. I can't even tell u how sad I feel that our kids have to be the victims in all this. They are true soldiers and we need to applaud them for staying the course while protesting peacefully. It was really hard to see the bulldozer, the pile of tents, and personal belongings thrown on the ground at the front gate. But even worse was having our kids physically threatened and abused. Please if your student was hurt by IKJ and his staff please send me a brief description.. How do we get this madness to stop.? Tami

Is This Acceptable? A Gallaudet Teacher and Mother's Account of Wednesday's Events

2006-10-25T13:30:00.000-07:00

October 25, 2006 1:30 PM

Dear Colleagues, Gallaudet Faculty Who Voted to Remove Dr. Fernandes from Her Post as Gallaudet’s Incoming President:

I apologize now for what will be a difficult, incoherent read—I am under pressure to get this out to as many people as possible, all the while answering students’ and parents’ questions. Feel free to pass this on—blog it, media it, and especially get it to parents and families who can make an informed decision about when to suggest that their students leave the university until it is safe.

On my drive in to work this morning I received several messages from students telling everyone to go to the MSSD/Brentwood gate to help students who were being roughed up by Gallaudet University campus security--the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and a group of non-DPS men, some of whom were identified by witnesses as Physical Plant Department (PPD)staff. I talked to many people (the "PPD" men, DPS officers, witness students, injured students, Student Health Services (SHS) staff, DC ambulance drivers, and DC police) involved in the situation to get this story to you as fast as possible.

When I arrived about 9:40 am, I saw students and others running away from the gate. Student witnesses told me that several students were injured when they were awakened and forced to leave the gate area. They told me that there were about 8-10 uniformed and easily identifiable DPS involved in taking over the gate. Witnesses also told me that there were around 30 men, some of whom were still standing around and who identified themselves to me as GU PPD.

At around 9:50, I began a discussion of GU DPS officers and, after identifying myself, asked them what happened, to which they answered “I don’t know” and “nothing.” Then I asked them (even though I knew the answer) if any students were injured, to which they answered, “none.” As we were talking, three DC Ambulance drivers approached us and asked if there were any injured students, to which the GU DPS officers answered, “no.” I interrupted and told the DC drivers that there were at least 3 injured students who were had been recently escorted by Dr. Sue Mather—and were in the SHS at that time. The DC drivers asked me where SHS was and I explained. But since getting through the gate was impossible they asked if there was another way to get there. The two DPS officers were silent and I volunteered to lead the way in my car, which I had parked a few yards away down the street. So, I, not the GU DPS, escorted the ambulance drivers to our injured students—me clearing the way—waving to cars to make way for the large vehicle. That’s sad.

The SHS is where I met two of the injured students who told me their story. One says he was awakened around 8 am to the feeling of things being thrown on his tent. When he unzipped and looked out, he was frightened as he saw around 8 DPS officers and PPD men (he can identify some of the men present but did not know their names), with personal vehicles parked nearby. He and another injured student told me that the cars contained construction supplies that they were using to throw at the students tents, including 3-5 inch diameter metal pipes. As students resisted by holding onto the gate, the “PPD” men yanked and shoved them. Then, the gate was pulled open over the foot of one student, who was treated at SHS and sent to Suburban hospital. While the mob of DPS and others shoved, yanked, and otherwise roughed up these groggy students, one group of men railed passed a student (I interviewed this student) with a metal pipe, ramming him in the knee. This student was later seen at SHS and was told to find a ride to Suburban Hospital to get an X-Ray for a possible fracture. SHS staff told me that this was administrative procedure for non-emergency injuries. I left as he was standing back at the gate waiting for his ride. That’s sad too.

Media cameras, interpreters, bloggers, witnesses and supporters were all there when I left at around 10:50.

Here are my questions—which might be yours too:

Students in charge of the locked down at the gate tell me that they had a promise from GU administration that there would be warning before force was used to remove them. Why was there no warning given?
When I asked Bubba Smith of the DPS about this he told me that he was not aware of this agreement and suggested that he was less than satisfied with his connection to our GU administration. What is the truth here?
Was PPD involved in roughing up our GU students?
Were DPS involved in roughing up our Students?
Did this mob of PPD and DPS bring interpreters with them?
Where was Mercy Coogan during this?
Where was Dr. King?
Where was Dr. Fernandes?
Where are they now?
Where is the statement on the website for parents to get straight answers?
Where is the information for the rest of the GU community?
If you go to the Gallaudet Home page and click around, you will see this:

Need to contact us?
A phone bank has been set up to have a central location where parents and other persons can call with questions or concerns. Please feel free to use any of the below methods to contact Gallaudet University. They will be operational 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.

Off campus, toll free: 877-822-0680 (v/tty)
On campus, x5811 (v/tty)

But you won’t get any info there. Where can anyone go to get the straight story on this dangerous situation? When a concerned parent called the 877 number at the Provost’s office at 12:30 today and asked for an update on the emergency at the MSSD gate, the person answered that she didn’t know. That “something about the gate being blocked” was going on. When the parent said she needs details, the person told her to call DPS. Why are parents given the run around and why do I, one dumb teacher, know more than the Provost’s office? Who is in the Provost’s office anyway?

Why is there no information on the Gallaudet Home page?
Why is there no email update on the lack of safety for our students?
Did IKJ order this sort of roughing up or, worse, did he not order it and these are rogue officers and staff working on their own?
Who is working with victim students and other GU students who are afraid and confused about what is going on?

A student who came to my office to deliver homework and to find out what I knew--just suggested to me that GU community go to the blogs for the best update on what is going on at Gallaudet. This is true, sad, and scary.

Now do people understand why 82% of the voters think that JKF needs to be removed? This University is not a safe place for students or its workers—besides the fact that we have leaders who are not and cannot lead. That’s the saddest part of all.

Dr. Kathleen Wood
Associate Professor at GU
Department of English, 17 years
Mother of two elementary Deaf students

Gallaudet Parents Continue to Support our Students

2006-10-25T04:19:00.000-07:00

GALLY PARENTS,

What can I say. It is still very difficult here. A real critical time. Even though many parents have gone, we are still here (David and myself) and are working hard staying involved in this protest. We have set up systems for parents to help from their homes as well. If you have any skills that you think will help us, please let us know. There are many others including faculty, staff, and alumni that are working just as hard to see that Jane Fernandes resigns.

It is very upsetting to watch IKJ, threaten, lie, intimidate, manipulate, and continue to launch his full force PR campaign against our kids and everyone involved. This is the most unbelievable thing I have ever seen in my life.

We still have students on the hunger strike. They are getting weak now but are being monitored. It is cold here now and we all are concerned for their health. Still they stand persistent in this strike.

It is speculated that the Board of Trustees (BOT) will meet on Sunday, Oct. 29th. Hard to tell what will happen between now and then. It is important to continue to network with anyone you know that can make a difference.

As things unfold, we will keep you informed. Continue to do whatever you can to help. Encourage your children and support them. I applaud our kids, their beloved faculty, and staff that are here protecting and embracing Gallaudet.

Tami

-

Parents of 135 Arrested Students

2006-10-24T19:12:00.000-07:00

If your son or daughter was arrested on Oct. 13th please send your email address as soon as possible to Zibby Bayarsky at zibbybayarsky@tmail.com

Gallaudet Parents Statement given to IKJ

2006-10-24T07:35:00.000-07:00

GALLAUDET PARENT MEETING PRESENTATION TO I. KING JORDAN

October 19, 2006

Introduction And Background Of The Formation Of A Formal Parent Group:

We are Gallaudet parents, hearing and deaf, from across the United States. Most of us have only recently met each other.

Our children are here because we believed they would receive a good education in an accessible Deaf friendly environment free from oppression and rich in Deaf culture and community. We trusted you to lead our children to greatness, to promote to the world that the Deaf can do anything, and to be an example of a good leader.When the presidential search began, a large majority of students strongly disapproved of Jane Fernandes as a candidate. Most citing that she had no interpersonal skills or finesse when dealing with students or staff. Another overwhelming issue was that she would not take seriously the situation of audism on campus. Despite repeated requests that a team be set up to examine this issue and work towards elimination of this form of oppression, she continued to refuse their request. We, as well as our children, had the expectation that Gallaudet University would be a bi-lingual and bi-cultural environment where professors, staff, andadministration would be proficient in ASL, so that the entire campus was accessible. In all the years that Jane Fernandes was here, this did not happen. Despite all her credentials, her past history and failure to respond to the needs of the students and faculty along with lack ofleadership, proved to FSSA that Jane Fernandes did not possess the qualities of a true leader who must have both the personality and the ability to promote Gallaudet to the next level. As parents, we witnessed first hand her poor interpersonal skills and elitism, which impedes effective leadership.Therefore, when the announcement was made that Jane Fernandes was elected as President, during the most critical academic time of the year, final exam week, our children naturally were unbelievably shockedand dismayed. Our children were of the opinion that the administration preplanned the announcement, so they had no time to formulate a rebuttal before school was dismissed.FSSA leaders continued working to facilitate open dialogue with administration. The meetings were attempts to appease the students butthere was no true effort to address the resolution of the issue thatJane Fernandes resign.

When it became apparent that you, the Board of Trustees, and Jane Fernandes were not willing to take seriously their request, our children had no choice but to organize a formal protest. Our children were raised to be empowered, self confident, and have pride in being Deaf. They feared their cherished University’s reputation, quality of education, and their social and emotional well being were being threatened. In the face of threats and intimidation over the last few weeks, our children continued to exercise a nonviolent protest with hopes of getting their demands addressed. With mounting support from FSSA,Faculty, staff, parents, the NAD, GUAA, DPN leaders, your colleagues,Deaf Associations, and even priests, you chose to ignore the best interests of the University.On

Friday the 13th, you broke your promise. Our children, 135 of them,were arrested in the dark. What a disgrace!

For the protection of one person, Jane Fernandes, you arrest protestors,ignore Stakeholders, disrespect the Deaf Community, intimidate students,staff, and alumni while spreading propaganda to the media. Because these actions have been at the expense of the safety and education of our children, this group of parents have decided to join the protest and stand behind our children.

Our Stance:

Our stance is consistent with all the Stakeholder groups who are protesting.

* We demand Jane’s resignation.
* We demand no reprisals for all individuals involved in the protest.
* We demand that the Board of Trustees re-open the Presidential Search which includes Students, Staff, Faculty, Alumni, and Parents on theSearch Committee.
* We demand an investigation of the composition of the Board of Trusteesfor consideration of creating a Stakeholder- based Board

Spoken before IKJ by Tami Hossler along with 26 parents

Proud Parents at the Capitol!

2006-10-23T18:15:00.000-07:00

Tami Hossler speaking to the crowd at the Capitol!

Proud Parents of Gallaudet students!

Tami and Erica Hossler addressing the candle light vigil on Monday 10/23.

Please Draw Attention to Your Congressmen!

2006-10-23T16:25:00.000-07:00

Please use the contact numbers or info given below to contact your Congressman, Senator or state Representative about the urgent situation at Gallaudet University.

Your local representative:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt

Gallaudet Board of Trustees of Congress:
Lynn Woosley
202-225-5161
http://woolsey.house.gov/

Ray LaHood
202-225-6201
http://www.house.gov/lahood/

Senator John McCain
202-224-2235
http://mccain.senate.gov/

Call and ask for their Chief of Staff.

Tell them it is urgent and is an emergency.

Fax if you like but be sure to add your name and address.

Tell them you are a Gallaudet parent and:

1. Support the resignation of Jane Fernandes as President
2. Support no reprisals.

I am concerned.

Saturday thousands of Deaf individuals from all over the world were at Gallaudet to march to the Capitol showing their support for the students protest and asking Jane Fernandes to resign. It was incredible to see. Blocks and blocks of Stakeholders marched to show their support and to demand that Gallaudet has a qualified leader to lead them into the future. Read www.gufssa.org.

Please, we ask you to act now.

Welcome to Gallaudet Parents United

2006-10-23T16:03:00.000-07:00

This website has been set up to develop an active network of parents of Gallaudet students to provide mutual support and lend their services during the current crisis.

We have created this website for parents, families and friends of Gallaudet students to provide the latest information on the events as they unfold.

We have begun to create a comprehensive mailing-list of all Gallaudet parents. If you are not on the current mailing list please send your name and contact information to:
Zibby Bayarski at zeebee143@aol.com

We are actively looking for parents who can volunteer in a variety of capacities to help in sustaining the spirit of our cause.

Anyone with legal, public relations, political consultant, medical, counseling, computer technology and organizational skills are requested to contact
Tami Hossler at onthego321@aol.com.

Parents who are able to come to Gallaudet are needed to provide on-site support for our student children. We will help provide you with accommodations and key contacts in order to make your stay as productive as possible. You will help lobby, meet with the press, provide administrative support, and attend core group meetings and many other tasks.