TRIUMPH OF THE SPIRIT
The DPN Chronicle
The story of one of the greatest events in the Deaf Community
In 1988, the Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University, the only university in the world specifically for Deaf individuals, chose a hearing person as the university's president over two highly qualified Deaf candidates. This individual had no experience working with Deaf students, no understanding of the Deaf community, and no American Sign Language (ASL) skills to communicate effectively with Deaf students and staff. The Deaf community erupted in a mighty cry heard worldwide: "We want a Deaf President Now!"
Over the next seven days, Gallaudet students, in partnership with Gallaudet faculty and staff, the wider Deaf community, and thousands of hearing supporters, staged a historic protest, shutting down the university until the hearing president resigned. This powerful movement, known as The Deaf President Now (DPN) movement, led to Gallaudet finally appointing "A Deaf President Now!"
Triumph of the Spirit invites readers to journey back to 1988 and experience the tears, struggles, excitement, and triumphs of those who participated in the DPN movement. Readers will also discover three powerful lessons from this pivotal event that anyone can apply to break down barriers in their communities: Community 1st, Attitude, and Partners.
This book will inspire readers to prioritize their community first, respect one another, and work together as equal partners to create a better world for ourselves, our children, and future generations.
Small Heading
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
I'm a paragraph. Click here to add your own text and edit me. It's easy.
“
“
“
“
“
“
REVIEWS
"I highly recommend it to anyone who
is interested in the Gallaudet University Deaf President Now... Gallaudet alumni will love it!"
ROBERT G. SANDERSON, ED.D.
Class of 1941
Trustee Emeritus
Gallaudet Board of Trustees
“The book does an excellent job of contextualizing the political, social, and cultural forces that shaped the DPN movement.”
NANCY ALEXANDER, PH.D.
Retired School Superintendent, AZ
“Triumph of the Spirit is an extraordinary work that sheds light on the cultural dynamics that unite us all in the pursuit of a greater cause.”
JOHN T. K. O’LOUGHLIN
ASL Professor
Palomar College, CA
“Triumph of the Spirit beautifully illuminates how hearing and Deaf individuals can work together to create meaningful change in their communities. The lessons from the Deaf President Now (DPN) movement—Community 1st, Attitude, Partners—are as relevant today as they were in 1988.”
STEPHEN LARACUENTE
Retired Vice Principal
Hawai’i School for the Deaf
and the Blind
“What an inspirational book! As a hearing individual, I was thrilled to read a book that is so hearing friendly and emphasizes the importance of hearing and Deaf people working together. This is a message that everyone needs to learn about—hearing and Deaf. Thank you!”
TERESA POPE
ASL Student, AZ
“This book successfully captures a defining moment in American history when students, faculty, and supporters came together to demand representation, dignity, and the right for Deaf people to shape their future.”
DOUGLAS FISHER, Ph.D.
Professor, San Diego State University
ASL/Deaf Studies
Interpreter Training Classes
Triumph of the Spirit: The DPN Chronicle is a must-read for students learning ASL and/or studying to become interpreters. By examining the DPN movement, students gain a deeper appreciation for the language and the community they will engage with. It's a lesson in history, civil rights, and cultural pride that goes beyond vocabulary and grammar, offering an understanding of the Deaf community's spirit and ongoing fight for equality.
Anthropology
Classes
Triumph of the Spirit: The DPN Chronicle provides a powerful case study for understanding how a marginalized group used a collective identity and political action to challenge systemic oppression and gain social and cultural recognition. The movement highlights key anthropological concepts related to culture, identity, power, and social change.
Anthropology often examines how power structures create and maintain social hierachies.
Sociology
Classes
Triumph of the Spirit: The DPN Chronicle is an excellent case study for sociology students that provides a powerful example of a successful social movement driven by a marginalized group. The 1988 protest at Gallaudet encapsulates key sociological concepts related to civil rights, collective action, and identity.
The DPN movement is also a foundational event for understanding the sociology of culture and identity, particularly for the Deaf community.
PURCHASE
