A Year Worth Remembering
In 1988, a new and respected heroine made her entrance into the chapters of sign language and Deaf history. Deaf actress Marlee Matlin captured the Oscar for Best Actress in her role in Children of a Lesser God. Matlin, who uses sign language, continues to work in many acting roles, such as those she has played in the television series The West Wing, Picket Fences, Reasonable Doubts, My Name is Earl, and The L Word. To date, Marlee has appeared in all kinds of roles in movies and television programs, CSI: NY, Hollywood Squares, Law & Order, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, Sweet Nothing in My Ear, and Dancing with the Stars. Marlee has written three books that are loosely based on her own experiences growing up deaf in Chicago. Much is owed to Marlee Matlin, who with her fame, brings about awareness and exposure to the use of sign language. At the same time, Marlee continues to break the stereotyping of deaf people and strives to open the door for other deaf actors.
At the same time, in 1988, an extraordinary and significant event took place in the annals of Deaf history. Students at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., staged a weeklong protest and brought national attention to their revolutionary demand for a “Deaf President Now.” Gallaudet students forced the closure of the campus with their demand for the appointment of a Deaf university president. The revolt was sparked when Elizabeth Ann Zin-ser, the only hearing candidate of a field of three finalists, was voted president. Zinser had relatively little experience with ASL or the Deaf population.
Support grew throughout the week for the issue and the protesting students'agenda. These were their four demands:
Appointment of a Deaf president
Resignation of chairwoman Jane Spillman, who spoke unfavorably of the Deaf
The board of trustees would be comprised of Deaf members, representing 51 percent
No repercussions for those involved in the protest
On Friday, March 11, 1988, 3,000 protesters marched to the U.S. Capitol building with their demands. By Sunday, all their demands had been met, and Dr. I. King Jordan was appointed the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University. This victory was an exceptional turning point for members of the Deaf community, their culture, identity, and their beloved language. On October 16, 2006, another protest was held at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C. The protest was over the appointment of Jane K. Fernandes as the next president of the school for the deaf.
It is important to remember that one cannot separate sign language history from the history of the Deaf community. Pure ASL belongs to the Deaf community with its rich and tenacious history. Throughout the remaining chapters, you will find informational pieces on the Deaf community, and its culture. In addition, you will find resources for further studies on this subject in Appendix B.
