I agree with you in saying that the Deafs' attempts to remain a culture apart increases their feelings of alienation. That is unfortunate and I am really sorry. I have worked with a few Deaf persons in a professional setting (not d/deaf as yourself) and enjoyed the experience, but the limitations on communication made interaction difficult at times.
It seems that I read or heard that many of those who are deaf have fewer socially derived controls over emotional responses than hearing people. This would make sense, if some of these controls are learned under conditions facilitated through spoken language and interaction, or alternatively through broad interaction with society. (Don't know for a fact - just an idea). Anyway, this could also explain what appears to be rather strong reactions on the part of some students taking part in the protests. Pushing and shoving, etc. I could be all wet on this, just sharing my impressions and explanations. I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell. _ Blood Sweat & Tears
So, as you say, the students would not usually have the right to decide who should be appointed as President since it is not a democratic process as such, any more than it would be to appoint any faculty member, or a member of canteen staff.
It's an interesting idea about access to methods of developing control over appropriate emotional responses. Many Deaf aquaintances who are heavily involved in campaigning, tend to be extremely aggressive in how they put their view forward. I'm articulate enough with speech that I rant verbally at someone/something until I've vented on everything I want to get across. If I didn't have fluency with spoken language then that probably would revert into physical aggression, I've certainly seen that in young deaf children when they become frustrated and can't communicate what they need. I've seen it in deaf adults too.
Another thing to bear in mind is that gestures that hearing people would consider to be rude are a part of sign language eg flapping your hand in front of someone's face to make them pay attention, or shaking their shoulder or preventing someone from turning away if you haven't finished talking. It doesn't surprise me that the emotional outlets will tend to be more physical for Deaf people. Ad astra per aspera
