Prof. Kelly Marino released her new book “Votes for College Women: Alumni, Students, and the Woman Suffrage Campaign” on April 9. The book discusses the generational change in the women’s movement, and the College Equal Suffrage League from when the Nineteenth Amendment passed.
Marino has been a full-time faculty member at Sacred Heart University for eight years and focuses her research on women’s history and American history. Her book aligns with her teachings, as she covers topics regarding suffrage and gender frequently.
Contributed by Kelly Marino
“I was inspired by my early training as a teacher to examine the educational activism of suffragists. The College Equal Suffrage League worked within the academic environment of the campus to teach people about the women’s movement and suffrage cause,” said Marino.
“Votes for College Women: Alumni, Students, and the Woman Suffrage Campaign” discusses how much the women’s movement has changed overtime. It highlights how, throughout history, younger women have begun leading gender and political movements.
“The book explores generational change in the women’s movement. In the nineteenth century, leadership positions in women’s and social reform organizations often went to older women past childbearing years. But in the twentieth century, younger women become leaders in social and political campaigns, sometimes for the first time. The book also deals with changing gender ideology and attitudes toward women in politics,” said Marino.
Marino said that young people hold a high importance when dealing with political change and social issues. Her book focuses on these age groups and explores how students on college campuses have impacted these issues.
“I think education can be a powerful form of activism. I also think young people have been and will always be important to social and political movements,” said Marino.
The book emphasizes how college campuses have become prominent spaces for women’s suffrage protests. Sophomore Madeline Mangione took Marino’s Introduction to Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies class. She said she has learned a lot about the topics the book discusses and said Marino’s teachings has allowed her to gain extensive knowledge about women’s rights and gender equality.
“In Prof. Marino’s class, students can connect historical suffrage struggles with current gender equality issues, providing a deeper understanding of the ongoing fight for social justice,” said Mangione.
Marino provides insight regarding the women’s suffrage movement and gender issues through her courses as well as her new book. Mangione said she gained knowledge about activism and how college aged students play an important role in women’s movements.
“This class was very insightful, as we dove into the complexities of gender dynamics throughout history. Through thought-provoking discussions, we got to explore the interplay of activism, examining how certain groups used educational platforms and inspired younger generations to advocate for women’s rights,” said Mangione.
Sophomore Molly Luchsinger took Marino’s United States History to 1865 course, where they discussed gender inequality and the role of women during historic periods, such as the Civil War. Luchsinger said Marino’s course differs from other history courses she previously took, because it emphasized women’s impact on events throughout history.
“Prof. Marino talked a lot about the role of gender throughout history and provided a lot of great insight about how historic events play a role in the issues we see today. I’m interested to dive into her book and further my knowledge about the issues we touched upon in class,” said Luchsinger.
Prof. Kelly Marino’s book is available for purchase on major websites such as Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, as well as the NYU Press Page. Both hard copy and E-book versions are available for “Votes for College Women: Alumni, Students, and the Woman Suffrage Campaign.”
