I. King Jordan

I. King Jordan

Irving King Jordan (born June 16, 1943 in Glen Riddle, Pennsylvania) became, in 1988, the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University, the world's only university with all programs and services designed specifically for students who are Deaf and hard of hearing. That year Gallaudet students, with support from many alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the University, protested the Board of Trustees' appointment of a hearing person to the presidency.

Called Deaf President Now (DPN), the week-long protest was a watershed event in the lives of deaf and hard-of-hearing people all over the world. At its conclusion, the Board reversed its decision and named Jordan, one of three finalists for the position, the eighth president of Gallaudet and the first Deaf president since the institution was established in 1864.

His persistent support for then-Provost Jane Fernandes as his successor as Gallaudet's president in 2006 greatly diminished his influence and respect in the Deaf community as a result.