Protesters:Long-Term Consequences Possible
From New York Times:Â
But those [arrested]Â students might face job-related consequences if they work at the Clerc Center, where Gallaudet helps develop teaching strategies for deaf children, said Mercy H. Coogan, a university spokeswoman.
Mr. Davila’s announcement also does not preclude the possibility of university-related sanctions against students who might have been involved in the protests and were not arrested, Ms. Coogan said. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/07/education/07gallaudet.html
From Washington Post:
Yesterday he announced in a campus video message that protesters who had been arrested would face no further punishment. Some had been charged with violating the student code of conduct, and those cases, being handled by the Office of Judicial Affairs, will not result in any major punishment.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/06/AR2007020601079.html
OBITUARY: Former adjunct Biology professor, Dr. Robert Simmons, the father of Paul, David, Alex and Vivienne (deceased), passed away this am in Cape Town, Africa. I had the pleasure of working with this fine man for one year before I resigned from Gallaudet. He worked there from 1994 to 1997 and was well-respected and loved by his student and colleagues.
Commentary: That’s why these arrested students don’t need additional penalties. They have permanent police records which may make finding jobs more difficult at times. MZ
PS: Gallaudet and the protesters are being bashed big time at Washington Post Comment Section! Please go over there and defend the image of Gallaudet. http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/comments/display?contentID=AR2007020601079
From New York Times:Â
But those [arrested]Â students might face job-related consequences if they work at the Clerc Center, where Gallaudet helps develop teaching strategies for deaf children, said Mercy H. Coogan, a university spokeswoman.
Mr. Davila’s announcement also does not preclude the possibility of university-related sanctions against students who might have been involved in the protests and were not arrested, Ms. Coogan said. http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/07/education/07gallaudet.html
From Washington Post:
Yesterday he announced in a campus video message that protesters who had been arrested would face no further punishment. Some had been charged with violating the student code of conduct, and those cases, being handled by the Office of Judicial Affairs, will not result in any major punishment.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/02/06/AR2007020601079.html
OBITUARY: Former adjunct Biology professor, Dr. Robert Simmons, the father of Paul, David, Alex and Vivienne (deceased), passed away this am in Cape Town, Africa. I had the pleasure of working with this fine man for one year before I resigned from Gallaudet. He worked there from 1994 to 1997 and was well-respected and loved by his student and colleagues.
Commentary: That’s why these arrested students don’t need additional penalties. They have permanent police records which may make finding jobs more difficult at times. MZ
PS: Gallaudet and the protesters are being bashed big time at Washington Post Comment Section! Please go over there and defend the image of Gallaudet. http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn/comments/display?contentID=AR2007020601079
February 7th, 2007 at 1:26 pm
hey elizabeth, missed you on the blogosphere. you’re always a comfort to read.
I cannot believe Mercy still works for Gallaudet. She should have been fired when Davila stepped into office. Will she go at the same time as Kelly? Hope so.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:40 pm
Mercy Coogan will remain in the administration because, she as a person is a good person, what happened back then under IKJ’s regin, she was doing what she was told. Simple as that, she was IKJ’s puppet, so was Lindsay Dunn, and others. Don’t get me wrong, if you were working for someone and your boss told u to do it or get fired, u’d have to do it and everyone will look at you saying, why! fire him/her! no good for us!
Get the concept here? That is the working culture.
February 7th, 2007 at 1:58 pm
Ms.Coogan should consider a new job and get out of the spot light.
While she may have been told what to say and do under IKJ, does it help Gallaudet’s image if she stays being a spokesperson?
I think it would be much more fair for Davila to replace her so the Gallaudet University can regain favorable impression with both the hearing public and the deaf community.
February 7th, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Steve, it may not help Gallaudet if Coogan continues to be its spokeperson. However, would it be fair for Coogan to leave if she was only doing her job, even though she had damaged the credibility of Gallaudet?
February 7th, 2007 at 2:57 pm
I had read “On the Green” in the late 1990s or thereabouts that Mercy Coogan is one of the larger stakeholders because Gallaudet University is the love of her life.
Jean Boutcher
February 7th, 2007 at 3:00 pm
I believe that Mercy Coogan knew all about the corruption at Gallaudet under the Jordan administration and she willingly participated in it.
Also, I hear from reporters that she does not really provide helpful information and she never does research to answer their questions. She is more of a stumbling block who tries to prevent the truth from being reported.
February 7th, 2007 at 3:06 pm
I heard Coogan will retire in March. I agree she probably had to do what IKJ and high-paid, hearing, outside consultants told her to do. We don’t know what happens behind closed doors, maybe she not have any influence or maybe could have been worse without her. I know she loves Gallaudet and that is why she put up with all the hate and name-calling. I hope we can remember all her good work through the years and give her respect.
February 7th, 2007 at 3:33 pm
As a person, Megan Coogan may be great, but as a PR person for Gallaudet, she was an enabler for corruptions as well as labels (absolutists, terrorists, law-breakers, etc). She made everything possible for the administration to advance the practice of language and culture oppression. She could have been a whistleblower but she made a clear choice NOT to support Deaf people, their language, and to PUSH the issues the IKJ administration presented. She worked very hard to advance both the oppression and corruption at Gallaudet University. By playing Sophie, Megan put values of hearing people in the mouth of Sophie Fowler Gallaudet, which was disrespectful!
February 7th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
If She does loves Gallaudet(and Deaf People) then why does she continues to spread news that can only be seen as an affornt to those who protested? She said this at the same time Dr. Davilia made his annoucement. She was part of the BIG mis-leading campagn that the IKJ people waged during the protest( remmember the “not enoght Deaf” card?)- thus, really doing a lot of damage to Gallaudet and to Deaf people.
If you are reading this , Ms Coogan… please get out of the Gallaudet PR office before you do more damage.
Raphael J. St. Johns, C-87,G-00
February 7th, 2007 at 4:29 pm
I have seen Mercy Coogan fighting for IKJ more than necessary. She was willing to lie, corrupt, twist the stories,.. she stood in the rain to make sure she was there to speak for IKJ. So she did more than what she was supposed to do for jordan. I feel Mercy has to go, too. With her skills, she will have no problem finding a new job.. maybe for Washington Post who may need her skills for twisting the news. Bob needs new blood… not leftover from jordan….
February 8th, 2007 at 2:40 am
Why is Mercy commenting to New York Times? She had Dr. Davila’s OK to do that? This “he said, she said” stuff, hmm.
February 8th, 2007 at 7:16 am
I’m stuck here, really.
I saw the interview with Mercy Coogan – she DOES have the skills with media, you have to admit that.
She gave out this sigh like she was really glad it was over and acknowledged that it would take a long time to heal.
I agree she was doing her job – despite how awful it was.
That said, she does have *it* to help Gallaudet with Dr. Davila.
But my BEEF is that if she was allowed to stay on campus, Dunn should stay on as well. He has done so much, especially for the students of color. Now he’s replaced by a woman who does not have the qualifications like he does.
I’m sorry, but I think that’s wrong. I would support the students of color if they protested against the replacement of that person. Sorry.
Seems like people were given time to resign/retire – like Paul Kelly and possibly Ms. Coogan, but NOT Mr. Dunn.
I do have a problem with that.
It’s telling me that if you have important connections, you don’t get the boot right away.
Deafeye has got it right – they were IKJ’s puppets big time and they’re paying a big price for it.
As for commenting on that Post – I’ll keep an eye on it. I see someone has made a good comment at the end!
February 8th, 2007 at 7:44 am
Excuse me – not a woman! My mistake.
A man – according to my source who knows him personally, along with others – does not like other blacks and not working well with them, if you are not “above” – you are not worthy to talk to.
That’s the person taking over Dunn’s place.
That’s the same issue people experienced under JKF.
I know this is way off the point, but no one is *listening* to students of color!
I felt like I should bring this up.
I hope Dr. Davila is dealing with this as well.
He has a lot on his plate, that’s for sure!
February 8th, 2007 at 10:16 am
Mike, I assume she spoke to NYT with permission by Davila.  Is he aware of how his stakeholders feel about Coogan’s role during the protest?
That’s an excellent point, Iam. Why is an unpopular figure still there while the job of a popular worker given to another one? Anytime there is a profound change within the administration, some people will get upset. It is a concern if many students of color aren’t happy with this decision. Perhaps Davila can clarify his position so the students of color can see his reasoning.
Davila sure has a difficult job.
February 8th, 2007 at 10:40 am
No people: I was told that IKJ gave Ms. Coogan alot of leverage. She was the frist one who used the “Deaf card”. And she was not a puppet either- a lot of what the PR office did came from Coogan herself.
Whenever there was a reporter interviewing a deaf person on campus, there was Coogan ready to use the “Deaf Card” to conteract what the deaf person was saying.(and of course, she did not signed) I know this because I saw it with my own eyes.
So ..please.. I have to say it again…please leave asap Ms. Coogan.
Raphael J. St. Johns, C-87, G-00
February 12th, 2007 at 8:05 pm
Hello folks, I am sending you my comment even though I haven’t read the newspaper articles yet. Will do that after I eat a snack.
I was reading all comments made by you all. Umm, what I would like to share with you. It is about the spokeswoman’s position at GU. Well, I do not know exactly what she does and is not allowed to do. However, I know she is simply doing her job representing Gallaudet. Yes, it would be very nice if she would leave her position as a Spokeswoman and allow someone new to take over her place. That is something that she, Dr. Davila and the Board of Trustees will need to discuss about. Umm, if the whole community at GU isn’t happy with her performance or the way she is representing the university, then they will need to confront Ms. Coogan and talk with her about this matter. I wish you all the best in whatever you do and stay warm as the snow storm is coming soon. Don’t break any legs. (smile)
Take care.
Best wishes,
Ms. Katrina
February 12th, 2007 at 8:49 pm
Hello again, just finished eating my snack. Now, back to you. Just read the two newspapers articles (NYT and Washington Post). They were well written and very informative. Will need to get back to Washington Post to send my comment if I can get through. I tried before opening this but with no luck in getting thru. Anyway, I am so thrilled that these protestors will not be penalized by Gallaudet. Unfortunately, with some who works at Clerc Center is possible facing the penalities there. I think that MSSD should not penalize these protestors who do work at MSSD. It’s their right to speak out. Their job at MSSD has nothing to do with Gallaudet’s protest. They both are separated in regards to who they are and what they do for their job.
MZ- continue to do a great job with your blog. I really enjoyed reading these issues whenever I get a chance to get online to check your blog.
Best wishes,
Ms.Katrina
February 13th, 2007 at 8:11 am
no-ms.katrina:
There is a fine line between doing your job -and “kiling the message”. Coogan has done more damage to Gallaudet (and hence, Deaf people) than anyone I know -except for IKJ and JKF and Paul Kelly. She said this on the SAME day that Davilia made his annoucement-thus adding to the confusion and, really, alomost undermining a good day for the protesters.
She should have the decency to shut up-and leave asap.
Raphael J. St. johns, C-87, G-oo
February 14th, 2007 at 8:13 am
Good Morning, Ms. Raphael J. St. johns,
Just read your comment after my comment. Decided to come back and review this article today.
I really appreciate your straightfoward comment towards to my comment. I am really glad to hear from you!
Yea, whatever you think is the best for Ms. Coogan to shut up and leave. Just tell her face to face and if you feel there should be another protest in regards to her. Do it!
I did not know or realize about the same day that she had done more damage to the GU as when President Dr. Davila made his announcement. That is shows she is not a good spokeswoman. The Spokeswoman should go along according to what the University’s President says or GIVE POSITIVE COMMENTS or MESSAGES to the Media community and the world to know how much the university can offer or that they are making some positive changes at the university.
I am proud of you, Raphael for standing up on what you believe in or tell from your thoughts/heart. Just like what you did toward to my comment!
Stay warm and don’t break any bones. I heard there were some snow and icy out there.
Best wishes,
Ms.Katrina
P.S. Cheers to you, MZ, and the commenters #1 to 16 and 18.
February 18th, 2007 at 6:30 pm
Good evening, folks~
Was just reviewing this section to see any more comments left.
Read my last comment — OOPS, a correction to be made which is my P.S. message should be typed …#1 to 15 not 16!!! Don’t want cheer to myself!! Cheers to you Ms. Raphael St.Johns.:)
Have a productive week at Gallaudet. Stay warm.
Cheers,
Ms.Katrina