By Andrew Mollenauer
Women and Inequality Book Talk:
Dr. Tiffani Betts Razavi and Dr. Kate Seaman, both University of Maryland professors, led a virtual discussion about patriarchy’s impact on women as it relates to a new book they co-authored: “Women and Inequality in a Changing World: Exploring New Paradigms for Peace.”
The book dissects the nuances of the continuity of such marginalization amid civic pushback intended to countervail it.
“The volume really deepens and widens our understanding of women in relation to the inequalities they face based on not only gender, but also race, class, religion and more,” said Hoda Mahmoudi, an editor of the professors’ book.
Razavi described her frustration with systemic discrimination, which she believes is alive and well in part because of a well-intentioned but ineffective societal response.
“It is clear that simply adding women to institutional structures and systems designed for and by men is not having the impact required to truly alter the inequalities between the genders,” Razavi said. “We need to open up a space for difficult conversations, to recognize that the path to progress is not the same for everyone.”
Razavi and Seaman’s book can be accessed for free here.
“I think there is progress,” Razaci said. “Paradigms do shift.”
Sweet 16 Leaves Maryland Sour Taste as Fans Marvel At Terps’ Growth:
Maryland men’s and women’s basketball made impressive runs to the Sweet 16 in their respective March Madness tournaments before heartbreaking exits. The women’s program recently won a tight, double-overtime game against Alabama, and the men’s program pulled off a last-second victory against Colorado State.
The men’s team’s attempt to reach the Elite 8 was thwarted by a No. 1-seeded Florida squad that atoned for its sloppy start with an impressive second half, eventually winning 87-71.
Up by only two points at halftime, the Gators managed a significant second-half turnaround.
From the 5:17 mark in the second half until the final whistle, the Terps found themselves at the mercy of their opponents’ foul trouble. In that timeframe, Florida recorded five fouls, on which Maryland largely capitalized, making seven of nine free throws.
But with three missed attempts from the field — including two behind the arc — the Terps faced the reality that foul shots were no saving grace against a lineup replete with defensive stalwarts. Thus ended the ephemeral, yet magical, tournament run of the team led by the “Crab Five,” comprising Julian Reese, Derik Queen, Ja’Kobi Gillespie, Rodney Rice, and Selton Miguel.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for the young squad whose future looks bright with Queen leading the way as a freshman. While many forecast his quick departure in favor of the 2025 NBA Draft, Queen has yet to announce any such commitment. His return would bode well for the team, which aims to turn signs of resurgence into bonafide momentum toward another — and perhaps deeper — tournament run.
The program’s appearance in this year’s Sweet 16 was its first in almost a decade: Terps fans are ecstatic as the team’s growth breathes life into the outlook on next season.
“This is the first time in a long time where I have had hope in Maryland sports,” Jona Jancewicz, a sophomore journalism student, said last Tuesday, before the Terps’ tournament exit. “It feels like every year, each team comes up short. But this year is different; there is a palpable excitement that I have never seen before. I really hope the school capitalizes on it.”
Maryland’s women’s team has been cause for excitement, too, reaching the Sweet 16 after beating Alabama in a close, double-overtime game in the second round. But in a matchup that was a near-mirror image of the men’s, as both No. 4-seeded squads faced a No. 1 seed, the women’s team lost narrowly to the South Carolina Gamecocks on Friday, 71-67.
Led by head coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina — widely regarded as a standard-setting program in women’s basketball — entered the matchup on a nine-game winning streak. But even on the wrong side of a close score, Maryland made its powerhouse opponent earn it.
“It’s tough to see the men’s team leave the tournament, but our women’s team has shown incredible resilience,” said junior marketing student Alex Mullin last week, before the Friday women’s game. “Their double-overtime win was unforgettable, and I believe they have what it takes to go even further.”
Senior finance major Gabi Miller attended the women’s double-overtime victory against Alabama and said the atmosphere was memorable.
“When Maryland finally pulled off the win, it was just pure excitement,” Miller said. “It felt like we had all been part of something unforgettable.”