Group opposes Gallaudet blockade

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A Gallaudet University group emerged yesterday to oppose the closing of the campus in protest of the appointment of Jane K. Fernandes as the next president.

Concerned Students of Gallaudet University, which includes faculty and staff, insisted that protesters allow a return to classrooms.

"We are not opposed to anybody," said Margaret Vitullo, chairwoman of the school's sociology department and organizer of the group. "We stand for education. College students supporting this protest are denying education for other college students. This morning, they began denying education for kindergartners."

The Northeast campus serves deaf students from preschool through college.

Gallaudet's board of trustees appointed Mrs. Fernandes in May. She is scheduled to become university president in January.

Students opposed to the choice heightened their protests Thursday by seizing Hall Memorial Building, where many classes are held. About 200 students were involved, and some faculty and staff members joined the protest.

At about 4 a.m. yesterday, protesters began preventing faculty, teachers and administrative staff from entering the campus.

They said the protests will not end until Mrs. Fernandes resigns or the board rescinds the appointment. They also are demanding a replacement of the 21-member board and no punishment for protesters.

About 45 faculty members supported those demands, except for the board's replacement.

Students have criticized outgoing President I. King Jordan for a slow response to the crisis.