Gallaudet exploded on the scene in 1988 when students launched a protest to call for the appointment of the university’s first deaf president. Until then, the school had always been led by a hearing president. The “Deaf President Now” protest received national media attention and helped to raise awareness of deaf culture. We’re joined by freelance writer and Gallaudet grad David Kurs. [includes rush transcript] Gallaudet exploded on the scene in 1988 when students launched a protest to call for the appointment of the university’s first deaf president. Until then, the school had always been led by a hearing president. The “Deaf President Now” protest received national media attention and helped to raise awareness of deaf culture. To advertise for the rally, one Gallaudet alumnus printed flyers that read: “It’s time! In 1842, a Roman Catholic became president of the University of Notre Dame. In 1875, a woman became president of Wellesley College. In 1886, a Jew became president of Yeshiva University. In 1926, a Black person became president of Howard University. and in 1988, the Gallaudet University presidency belongs to a DEAF person.” David Kurs is a freelance writer who graduated from Gallaudet in 1998. He will also be interpreted by Jennifer Kaika. * David Kurs. Freelance writer who graduated from Gallaudet in 1998. * Jennifer Kaika. Interpreter.