Editorial

Editorial GALLAUDET COLLEGE-NEW LEADERSHIP Much of what happens to deaf people nationally and internationally has historically stemmed from the leadership of Gallaudet College. This influence is direct in terms of action the college takes both externally, with Congress, and internally . Indirectly, the caliber of Gallaudet's graduate students has been a major factor in determining quality deaf leadership in this country. After the excellent tenure in office of Dr. Pete Merrill, Jr., the college went through a difficult year which involved the resignation of his successor , Dr. Johns, who proved to be the wrong person for the Gallaudet presidency. Since the appointment of Dr. Jerry C. Lee, significant improvements have been instituted at Gallaudet. Some inroads have been made into the layers of administrative fat and ineptitude that had accumulated over the years. There has been renewed movement toward rewarding excellence. Dr. Lee has taken an ostensibly small program such as varsity sports and made constructive changes. For the last 15 years deaf students have been humiliated by the pathetic records of their athletes in football, basketball, and other sports. This failure has had profound effects on young athletes and has led the student body to perceive deaf people as inferior. Appointing a full-time football coach and giving reasonable attention to varsity athletics will mean a great deal to deaf youth. Dr. Lee is taking a hard look at basic priorities at Gallaudet. He is facing tough decisions and responding with action. Not everyone will agree with every decision he makes—myself included. However, his willingness to take a stand and to move toward goals is welcomed. Gallaudet faces dramatic changes in the education of deaf people. To retain its role of leadership will require a flexible, creative, dynamic leader. Dr. Lee gives early evidence of being just that. DEAF TEACHERS For the deaf person who wants to teach deaf children it has always been an uphill struggle. The past decade has seen improved opportunities for deaf educators in this country. In Great Britain the struggle has been more difficult. At this time that struggle is peaking. Deaf people and professionals in deafness need to be continually alert to efforts to take the right to teach away from qualified deaf people. Devious ways to discriminate such as certification requirements involving teaching hearing children as a pre-requisite are a never-ending threat. PUBLICATION NOTES Due to reduced pages and other financially induced cutbacks, the Annals has been forced to reject some quality manuscripts. To these authors we apologize. McCay Vernon, PhD Editor A.A.D. /March 1985 5 ...