The trustees of Washington's Gallaudet University - the institution prided as the centre of deaf culture in America - have bowed to weeks of protests by students and academic staff and revoked the appointment of a controversial new president, Jane Fernandes.

Ms Fernandes was born deaf to one deaf and one hearing parent, grew up speaking and did not learn American Sign Language until she was in her early twenties. She represented those who grew up in largely hearing communities who would crave involvement in the outside world and she also promoted cochlear implants.

Her opponents dismiss comments on deafness and identity as a diversion. "It's not deafness that killed her candidacy - it's ineffective leadership," said LaToya Plummer, a protest leader.

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