Congress has passed a resolution to recognize both Abraham Lincoln's role in the establishment of Gallaudet University.
The resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by California congressman Lynne Woosley and Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio who are both member sof Gallaudet's Board of Trustees .
Here's the full resolution:
Whereas in 2009, the United States honored the 200th anniversary of the birth of President Abraham Lincoln;
Whereas on July 4, 1861, President Lincoln stated in a message to Congress that a principal aim of the United States Government should be `to elevate the condition of men--to lift artificial weights from all shoulders--to clear the paths of laudable pursuit for all--to afford all, an unfettered start, and a fair chance, in the race of life';
Whereas on April 8, 1864, President Lincoln signed into law the legislation (Act of April 8, 1864, ch. 52, 13 Stat. 45) authorizing the conferring of collegiate degrees by the Columbia Institution for Instruction of the Deaf and Dumb and the Blind, which is now called Gallaudet University;
Whereas that law led for the first time in history to higher education for deaf students in an environment designed to meet their communication needs;
Whereas Gallaudet University was the first, and is still the only, institution in the world that focuses on educational programs for deaf and hard-of-hearing students from the pre-school through the doctoral level;
Whereas Gallaudet University has been a world leader in the fields of education and research for more than a century; and
Whereas since 1869, graduates of Gallaudet University have pursued distinguished careers of leadership in the United States and throughout the world:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), That Congress—
(1) congratulates and honors Gallaudet University on the 145th anniversary of President Abraham Lincoln's signing of the legislation authorizing the establishment of collegiate programs at Gallaudet University; and
(2) congratulates Gallaudet University for 145 years of unique and exceptional service to the deaf people of the United States and the world deaf community.
Passed the Senate March 24, 2009
