Murray Addresses International Women’s Day, Anti-Asian Violence in Memorandums

In memorandums to the Marist community, President Dennis J. Murray acknowledged both International Women’s Day and the recent violence toward the Asian American community this month. The statements proclaimed the college’s support for these groups. 

Murray’s recognition of International Women’s Day specifically highlighted Sojourner Truth, of nearby Ulster County, Vassar graduate and computer scientist Admiral Grace Hopper and Eleanor Roosevelt, whose old residence, Val-Kill, is a National Historic Site located just a ten-minute drive away from Marist. 

“While we are making significant progress, women’s equality continues to be impeded by issues like gender-based violence and discrimination; barriers to economic participation; underrepresentation in government, education, and corporate leadership; and lack of access to healthcare and educational opportunities,” Murray included in his memorandum. He added that Marist College presents images of Eleanor Roosevelt and Sojourner Truth at the south entrance to the campus. 

On March 17, one day after a gunman killed eight people in Atlanta –- six of whom were Asian Americans –– President Murray sent another memorandum to the Marist community addressing the recent violence towards the anti-Asian incidents. He noted that of the largest cities in the country, New York City saw the biggest spike in anti-Asian hate crimes, a slew of which have occured since last March. 

“This type of behavior is contrary to the values of Marist College and the ideals of our democratic society,” Murray said. 

Last summer, members of the Marist community criticized Murray’s delayed response to George Floyd’s killing, most notably from the @redfoxes_againstracism account in a post that garnered over 1000 likes. The two most recent memorandum, the first sent on International Women’s Day and the second sent one day after the shooting, demonstrate a prompt response from administration to national events. 

President Dennis J. Murray released memorandums in March to address both International Women’s Day and anti-Asian violence. Source: Sarah Lynch ‘21