When the Deaf Spoke, the World Heard: The Legacy of Deaf President Now

June 5, 2025
by Start ASL

I had the opportunity to attend a screening of this historical documentary, “Deaf President Now!” This documentary was directed by Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim. Producers for this picture included DiMarco, Guggenheim, Amanda Rohlke, and many others. Rohlke has collaborated with major production companies and networks, including Netflix, HBO, and National Geographic. Additionally, this film had many Deaf crew members involved in bringing this important story to life.

This film presents the historic story about how Deaf students at Gallaudet University in 1988 went on a university-wide protest until the first Deaf President, I King Jordan became its president in lieu of continuing the tradition of having hearing presidents running a university for Deaf students who support communicating via American Sign Language.

The phrase “Deaf President Now!” (DPN) refers to a pivotal student-led protest at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C., in March 1988. This movement marked a significant moment in the history of Deaf rights and advocacy.

What Was Deaf President Now?

In 1988, Gallaudet University, the world’s only university designed specifically for Deaf and hard-of-hearing students, appointed Elisabeth Zinser, a hearing individual, as president. This decision was met with strong opposition from students, faculty, and alumni, as it overlooked two qualified Deaf candidates. The protesters demanded a Deaf president, leading to a week-long series of demonstrations, including campus blockades and marches to Capitol Hill. Their efforts culminated in the appointment of I. King Jordan, the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University, on March 13, 1988.

“Deaf people can do anything but hear!” -I. King Jordan

Lasting Impact

The DPN movement not only transformed Gallaudet University but also had a profound impact on the broader Deaf community and civil rights movements. It challenged systemic barriers and highlighted the importance of representation and self-determination for Deaf individuals. The success of the protest contributed to the eventual passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

Recent Deaf President Now! Documentary

To commemorate this historic event, a new documentary titled Deaf President Now! was released on May 16, 2025, on Apple TV+. Directed by Deaf activist Nyle DiMarco and Academy Award-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim, the film features interviews with key figures such as Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Jerry Covell, Greg Hlibok, and I. King Jordan. It utilizes innovative storytelling techniques, including “Deaf Point of View,” to immerse viewers in the experiences of the Deaf community during the protests.

> Watch Deaf President Now! Documentary (Digital)

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The DPN movement remains a testament to the power of collective action and the ongoing fight for equality and representation for Deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals.

In this film, Deaf President Now!, you will hear personal “close up” stories presented by student leaders of DPN protest: Greg Hlibok, Tim Rarus, Bridgette Bourne Firl, and Jerry Covell and how they mobilized the fight to place I King Jordan as Gallaudet University’s first Deaf president to break the “audism” tradition of having hearing presidents run a Deaf university.

Director Nyle DiMarco

Nyle DiMarco is a multifaceted American model, actor, and activist who has significantly impacted the Deaf community through his advocacy, media presence, and creative endeavors.

Early Life and Education

Born in Queens, New York, Nyle DiMarco hails from a large multigenerational Deaf family, with over 25 Deaf relatives, including his parents, siblings, and grandparents. He graduated from Gallaudet University—the world’s only university designed specifically for Deaf students—with a degree in mathematics.

Career Highlights

America’s Next Top Model (2015): DiMarco made history as the first Deaf contestant and winner of the show. He was scouted via social media without producers realizing he was Deaf.
Dancing with the Stars (2016): Partnered with Peta Murgatroyd, DiMarco became the first Deaf winner of the competition, showcasing his dance skills and breaking barriers in the entertainment industry.

Advocacy and Filmmaking

DiMarco co-directed and produced the documentary Deaf President Now! alongside Davis Guggenheim. Released on May 16, 2025, the film chronicles the 1988 student-led protests at Gallaudet University, which led to the appointment of the institution’s first Deaf president, I. King Jordan. The documentary highlights the movement’s significance in civil rights history and its impact on the Deaf community.

Director Davis Guggenheim

Davis Guggenheim is an acclaimed American director and producer known for his impactful documentaries and television work. Guggenheim himself was the son of Oscar-winning filmmaker Charles Guggenheim. He graduated from Brown University and began his career in television, directing episodes of acclaimed series such as NYPD Blue, ER, 24, and Alias. He also directed the pilot for the CBS series The Unit.

Notable Works

An Inconvenient Truth (2006): This documentary, featuring former Vice President Al Gore, focused on the issue of climate change and won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
Waiting for ‘Superman’ (2010): This film examined the American public education system and sparked national debate about educational reform.
Deaf President Now! (2025): Co-directed with Nyle DiMarco, this documentary chronicles the 1988 student-led protests at Gallaudet University, leading to the appointment of the institution’s first Deaf president, I. King Jordan.

Awards and Recognition

Guggenheim’s work has earned him several accolades, including an Academy Award for An Inconvenient Truth, and nominations for Primetime Emmy Awards for his direction of documentary/nonfiction programs.

Television and Other Projects

In television, Guggenheim directed and produced the Emmy Award-winning HBO series Deadwood. He also directed multiple films for President Obama, including convention films in 2008, 2012, and 2016, and for President Joe Biden in 2020.

Speaking Engagements

Guggenheim is a sought-after speaker and has participated in various events, including the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film & TV Festival, where he presented Deaf President Now! in 2025.

Student Leader Greg Hlibok

Greg Hlibok is a prominent Deaf advocate, attorney, and civil rights leader, best known for his pivotal role in the 1988 Deaf President Now (DPN) movement at Gallaudet University. His leadership during the eight-day student protest was instrumental in securing the appointment of the university’s first Deaf president, Dr. I. King Jordan, and reshaping the landscape of Deaf advocacy and representation.

Early Life and Education

Background: Born into a Deaf family, Hlibok was immersed in Deaf culture from an early age.
Education: He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Government from Gallaudet University, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from Hofstra University School of Law.

Deaf President Now Movement (1988)

Leadership Role: As the Student Body President at Gallaudet University, Hlibok was a central figure in the DPN protests. The movement was sparked by the appointment of a hearing individual, Elisabeth Zinser, over qualified Deaf candidates. Students demanded a Deaf president, a majority Deaf Board of Trustees, and no reprisals against protesters. All demands were met, leading to a historic victory for the Deaf community.
Legacy: The DPN movement not only resulted in Dr. I. King Jordan’s appointment also catalyzed broader civil rights advancements, including the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act in 1990.

Legal and Advocacy Career

Federal Communications Commission (FCC): Hlibok served as Chief of the Disability Rights Office at the FCC, where he was responsible for administering a wide array of disability rulemaking proceedings and policy matters, including advancements in relay services and accessibility of communication technologies.

Recent Contributions

Hlibok is featured in the 2025 documentary Deaf President Now!, co-directed by Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim. The film chronicles the 1988 DPN protests, highlighting the leadership of Hlibok and others in the movement. It offers an in-depth look at the significance of the protests in the context of Deaf history and civil rights.

Personal Life and Community Engagement

Board Memberships: Hlibok serves on the Board of Trustees for both Gallaudet University and the Lexington School for the Deaf. He is also legal counsel for the Mark Seven Deaf Foundation.

Greg Hlibok’s enduring impact on Deaf advocacy and civil rights continues to inspire and shape the landscape of accessibility and representation for Deaf individuals.

Student Leader Tim Rarus

Tim Rarus is a prominent Deaf advocate and former student leader who played a pivotal role in the 1988 Deaf President Now (DPN) movement at Gallaudet University. Rarus hails from a multigenerational Deaf family. He attended the American School for the Deaf and later graduated from Gallaudet University with a degree in government.

Deaf President Now Movement

In March 1988, Gallaudet University students initiated the DPN protests after the Board of Trustees appointed Elisabeth Zinser, a hearing individual, as president over qualified Deaf candidates. Rarus, alongside fellow student leaders Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Greg Hlibok, and Jerry Covell, spearheaded the eight-day protest, demanding a Deaf president, a majority Deaf Board of Trustees, and no reprisals against protesters. Their efforts culminated in the appointment of Dr. I. King Jordan as the university’s first Deaf president.

Post-DPN Advocacy and Career

Following the DPN movement, Rarus continued his advocacy for the Deaf community. He worked as a staff assistant to Senator John McCain, advising on disability and ADA issues. Later, he joined Communication Services for the Deaf (CSD), where he implemented interpreting services and managed video relay services. Currently, he serves as the Vice President of Inside Sales for ZVRS/CSDVRS in Austin, Texas.

Recent Contributions

Rarus is featured in the 2025 documentary Deaf President Now!, co-directed by Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim. The film chronicles the 1988 DPN protests, highlighting the leadership of Rarus and others in the movement. It offers an in-depth look at the significance of the protests in the context of Deaf history and civil rights.

Through his enduring commitment to advocacy and representation, Tim Rarus continues to inspire and lead efforts toward greater equality for the Deaf community.

Student Leader Bridgetta Bourne-Firl

Bridgetta Bourne-Firl is a prominent Deaf advocate and educator who played a pivotal role in the 1988 Deaf President Now (DPN) movement at Gallaudet University. As one of the four student leaders—alongside Tim Rarus, Greg Hlibok, and Jerry Covell—she helped lead the eight-day protest that resulted in the appointment of Dr. I. King Jordan as the university’s first Deaf president. This historic victory marked a significant moment in Deaf civil rights and representation.

Background and Education

Bourne-Firl graduated from Gallaudet University with a degree in government. Her active involvement in student leadership and advocacy during her time at Gallaudet laid the foundation for her future work in the Deaf community.

Deaf President Now Movement

In March 1988, Gallaudet University students initiated the DPN protests after the Board of Trustees appointed Elisabeth Zinser, a hearing individual, as president over qualified Deaf candidates. Bourne-Firl, as a key student leader, was instrumental in organizing and leading the protests, which demanded a Deaf president, a majority Deaf Board of Trustees, and no reprisals against protesters. The movement culminated in the appointment of Dr. I. King Jordan as the university’s first Deaf president. The DPN movement not only secured representation at Gallaudet but also contributed significantly to the passage of the Americans With Disabilities Act in 1990.

Recent Contributions

Bourne-Firl is featured in the 2025 documentary Deaf President Now!, co-directed by Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim. The film chronicles the 1988 DPN protests, highlighting the leadership of Bourne-Firl and others in the movement. It offers an in-depth look at the significance of the protests in the context of Deaf history and civil rights.

Legacy

Bridgetta Bourne-Firl’s enduring commitment to advocacy and representation continues to inspire and lead efforts toward greater equality for the Deaf community. Her leadership during the DPN movement and her ongoing work in the community have left an indelible mark on Deaf civil rights and education.

Student Leader Gerald “Jerry” Covell

Gerald “Jerry” Covell is a prominent Deaf activist and educator, best known for his leadership role in the 1988 Deaf President Now (DPN) movement at Gallaudet University. His impassioned advocacy and commitment to Deaf rights have left a lasting impact on the community.

Early Life and Education

Born to Deaf parents, Covell was immersed in Deaf culture from an early age. Covell earned a Bachelor of Arts in American Government from Gallaudet University in 1988 and a Master of Arts in Government and Political Science from the University of Maryland in 1996.

Deaf President Now Movement

In March 1988, Gallaudet University students initiated the DPN protests after the Board of Trustees appointed Elisabeth Zinser, a hearing individual, as president over qualified Deaf candidates. Covell, along with fellow student leaders Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Greg Hlibok, and Tim Rarus, played a central role in the eight-day protest, demanding a Deaf president, a majority Deaf Board of Trustees, and no reprisals against protesters. Their efforts led to the appointment of Dr. I. King Jordan as the university’s first Deaf president.

Recent Contributions

Covell is featured in the 2025 documentary Deaf President Now!, co-directed by Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim. The film chronicles the 1988 DPN protests, highlighting the leadership of Covell and others in the movement. It offers an in-depth look at the significance of the protests in the context of Deaf history and civil rights.

Career and Advocacy

Following the DPN movement, Covell continued his advocacy for the Deaf community. He worked with state legislatures, agencies, and organizations in Missouri and Illinois, successfully lobbying for legislation that ensures equality, respect, independence, and accessibility for individuals with hearing loss. Currently, he serves as the coordinator of the Interpreter Preparation Program at MacMurray College in Jacksonville, Illinois. Covell is also a sought-after speaker and continues to have a direct impact on the lives of Deaf individuals through individualized advocacy.

Jerry Covell’s enduring legacy as a leader and advocate for Deaf rights continues to inspire and shape the landscape of accessibility and representation for Deaf individuals.

Gallaudet President Dr. I. King Jordan

Dr. I. King Jordan is a distinguished American educator and the first Deaf president of Gallaudet University, a milestone achieved in 1988 following the historic Deaf President Now (DPN) movement.

Early Life and Education

Born in Pennsylvania, Dr. Jordan enlisted in the U.S. Navy after high school. At 21, he became profoundly Deaf due to a motorcycle accident that caused severe head injuries. Undeterred, he pursued higher education, earning a B.A. in psychology from Gallaudet University in 1970, followed by an M.A. and Ph.D. in psychology from the University of Tennessee in 1971 and 1973, respectively.

Deaf President Now Movement

In 1988, Gallaudet University’s Board of Trustees appointed Elisabeth Zinser, a hearing individual, as president over qualified Deaf candidates. This decision sparked the DPN protests, led by student leaders Bridgetta Bourne-Firl, Jerry Covell, Greg Hlibok, and Tim Rarus. The eight-day protest culminated in the appointment of Dr. Jordan as the university’s eighth president and its first Deaf leader. His selection marked a significant victory for the Deaf community and highlighted the importance of representation and self-advocacy.

Leadership at Gallaudet

Dr. Jordan served as president from 1988 to 2006. Under his leadership, Gallaudet University experienced significant growth.

Endowment Growth: The university’s endowment increased from $5 million to $150 million.
Federal Funding: Annual federal appropriations rose to over $100 million.
Academic Expansion: The introduction of graduate programs in fields like audiology and linguistics.
Career Success: Approximately 95% of graduates secured employment or continued their education.
Dr. Jordan’s tenure was characterized by a commitment to excellence and a belief in the capabilities of Deaf individuals. He famously stated, “Deaf people can do anything but hear,” encapsulating his vision for the university and the broader Deaf community.

Honors and Recognition

Throughout his career, Dr. Jordan received numerous accolades, including:

The U.S. Presidential Citizen’s Medal.
The Washingtonian of the Year Award.
The James L. Fisher Award from the Council for Advancement and Support of Education.
The Distinguished Leadership Award from the National Association for Community Leadership.

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush appointed him Vice Chair of the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, a role he continued under President Bill Clinton. In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed him to the Commission on Presidential Scholars.

Legacy in Media

Dr. Jordan’s pivotal role in the DPN movement is highlighted in the 2025 documentary Deaf President Now!, co-directed by Nyle DiMarco and Davis Guggenheim. The film chronicles the 1988 protests and underscores the significance of the movement in advancing Deaf rights and representation. Dr. I. King Jordan’s legacy as a trailblazer for Deaf leadership and advocacy continues to inspire and influence the Deaf community and beyond.

This film is now available on Apple TV+.

> Watch Deaf President Now! Documentary (Digital)

References

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