John notes that some of the Gallaudet University trustees have succumbed to heavy-handed pressure from protesters and no longer support incoming president Jane Fernandes.

She should not resign. The board should address and pass judgment on the issue that has sparked the conflict, namely, the “sign language only” perspective vs. the “simultaneous use of voice and sign language” approach (about which I have commented). The board owes the institution and the public clarification on this matter, which must have much to do with why it hired Fernandes in the first place – why it felt she was the best choice for the job. Higher education boards tend to run from controversy no matter what and to shield their institutions regardless of the right or wrong of conflicts that arise. This amounts to unprincipled decision-making which, in the long run, spells disaster for their institutions. The Gallaudet Board should state, regarding sign language and other relevant issues, the direction in which it intends to take the university. If Fernandes is most qualified to lead in that direction – as had been decided – it should stand by her. Above all, the trustees should refuse to be blackmailed by protesters threatening via a blockade to shut the campus down. Governance itself is on trial at Gallaudet.