Question 32

The U.S. vice president wrote a letter of support for the DPN movement because Gallaudet University has a tradition of receiving diplomas signed by the U.S. president.

The U.S. vice president recognized the significance of Gallaudet University as an institution that not only serves deaf students but also has a historical connection to presidential support through the signing of diplomas. This tradition underscores the importance of the university's leadership reflecting its student body.

A) The Gallaudet University students gave speeches supporting their demands.

While the students did indeed give speeches that articulated their demands and galvanized support for the DPN movement, this option does not directly address the reason behind the vice president's letter of support. The letter was more focused on the broader implications of leadership representation rather than the specific actions of the students.

B) The U.S. vice president was a Gallaudet University graduate who was not deaf.

This option is incorrect as it is not mentioned in the extract that the U.S. vice president was a graduate of Gallaudet University or that he was not deaf. The vice president's support was based on the need for appropriate representation in leadership rather than personal experience as a graduate.

C) The U.S. president signs the diplomas of Gallaudet University graduates.

This option is correct because the extract highlights the tradition of U.S. presidents signing Gallaudet diplomas, which signifies the importance of the institution. The vice president's letter of support can be seen as an acknowledgment of the significance of appointing a deaf president to align with this tradition and the representation of deaf individuals in leadership roles.

D) Closed-door discussion created more discontent among the students.

Although the closed-door discussions contributed to student unrest and fueled the protests, this option does not explain why the vice president wrote a letter of support. The focus of the vice president’s letter was on leadership representation rather than the internal discord among students.

Conclusion

The U.S. vice president's letter of support for the DPN movement was rooted in the historical significance of Gallaudet University and its connection to presidential traditions. While other options address various aspects of the movement, they do not capture the essence of why the vice president emphasized the need for a deaf president, which is crucial for maintaining the integrity of an institution that symbolizes deaf advocacy and education.