HORNS HONK IN CAMPUS SOLIDARITY

The cars passing by Gallaudet University yesterday became perhaps the best barometer of the momentum that seems to be building among students, faculty and staff intent on getting a deaf president.

On Monday, when students barred the entrances to the university in Northeast Washington and shut down classes, a sign was hung near the front entrance: "Honk for a deaf president."

The response from passing cars on that first full day of protest was spotty, at best. Yesterday, the blare of car horns was constant, suggesting growing interest and support around the city for the students, faculty and staff of the world's only liberal arts university for the deaf.

The increase in the number of national media reporters on the scene indicated as well that interest in the cause extended far beyond the Beltway.

Members of Congress relayed messages of support. Mitch Snyder, an advocate for the homeless, stopped by to tell protesters that they were doing the right thing. With yesterday's call by faculty and staff members for Elisabeth Ann Zinser to step down from the job she was given Sunday, the students of Gallaudet seemed determined to hold firm.

"We're sticking with our four demands," one of the student leaders, Greg Hlibok told an elated crowd after informing members that little progress was made during an early morning meeting between Zinser and student leaders.

"Dr. Zinser wants to come to this campus," Hlibok told the crowd in sign language. The crowd's response was verbal and loud: "No."

As a group of about 500 student, faculty, staff and other loyalists dug in for a long battle, students pitched tents on campus grounds for a round-the-clock vigil at the front gate. Campus clubs set up food stands in case the school's cafeteria shut down again, as it did Monday. A media hot line was set up for the latest on planned events. A "Deaf President Now" bank account was established for fund-raising, and student leaders set up a command center in a campus building.

In a world where communication always has been a problem, the students at Gallaudet sent a loud message: They're holding firm.

Articles appear as they were originally printed in The Washington Post and may not include subsequent corrections.