New SMWC scholarship draws criticism

New SMWC scholarship draws criticism

A new scholarship is drawing criticism at a local college.

Saint mary of the woods college says the goal is to recognize diversity.

But others feel the college is going about it the wrong way.

Good evening and thanks for joining us.

We told you yesterday about saint mary of the woods college announcing a scholarship in the name of george floyd.

This announcement generated a lot of public response on social media.

News 10's dominic miranda walks us through how people are responding, and why some are upset.

Hundreds from all over the wabash valley and beyond reacted to, shared, and commented on saint mary of the woods scholarship announcement.

Many were optimistic and in support of the decision.... while some weren't so positive.

I spoke with two graduates of saint mary of the woods.

They gave me their perspective on the public's response to the announcement.

Many strongly disagreed with the saint mary of the woods scholarship creation in george floyd's honor.

Some called into question floyd's character, and if a scholarship in his name was the best way to recognize diversity on campus.

I spoke with 1996 graduate rory gillingham and 1998 graduate marcia eppich-harris.

They say there are scholarships for all different demographics of students.... and they have no problem with this announcement.

"the point of those scholarships is to help kids that have not had the same opportunities as white middle class people and i think that is completely appropriate."

"if we have a scholarship named in his honor then you know maybe it will help someone else who is trying to get a fresh start who happens to be black."

Both women told me they are in full support of the scholarship creation.

They say the negativity of some of the comments on facebook bothered them... and they believe those are the people who are missing the point.

"part of me feels like you should just ignore the comments, but it makes me sad to know that so many people are blinded and are not willing to give a leg up to people who could use help."

"i learned so much there about inclusion and empathy and inclusion and social justice.there were just a lot of hateful things written and those are things that i don't think saint mary of the woods stands for."

Both eppich-harris and gillingham shared the sentiment with me that this scholarship announcement...is simply what saint mary of the woods is all about.

They're in full support..they believe it will promote a more inclusive and diverse environment on campus... and they feel most of their classmates and fellow alumni feel the same.

In west terre haute,.

I'm dominic miranda.

News 10