Gallaudet University struggles

With apologies to Cox and Forkum.

With all the latest campus bullying, the continuing abuse of new labels, closed society, Gallaudet University seeing less charities and donations each year, Deaf elitism, and the worsening economy make it all the harder for Gallaudet University to press forward for a more open and accepting university for all hearing, Deaf, deaf and hard of hearing students one would think these things would make it easier for Gallaudet University to contend with?  Hardly. The cartoon on the left aptly describes the weight the university must pull and endure.

I'd like to take this opportunity to raise a few facts and one of them is that Gallaudet University is seeing a serious reduction on gifts and pledges over the last few years now. All pledges or gifts (donations) must be reported in Gallaudet University's annual financial reporting under the Government Performance and Results Act. Pledges and gifts or donations are given by both Gallaudet University's alumni and non-alumni people. In 2007 it saw $9.5 million in gifts and pledges but in 2008 and 2009 saw drastic reductions in givings each year at $6.9 and $3.1 million dollars, respectively.  The report explained that the downturn in the economy was a big factor. Perhaps with the right people on board will help devise ways to help increase donations and monetary gifts. We'll see how that goes over the next 2 to 3 years. But lately there has been some grumblings about the recent hiring and appointments at Gallaudet University. Will a 3rd protest happen?