Professor Marrus' remark was not racist at all. I was directed against the campaign to remove the title "Master" and not directed an any individual or race.  His point, in context, was that the Master of Massey college was a pleasant person and his title did not impose any hardship on anyone.  

What Marrus' didn't count on was the vicious disingenuousness with which those trying to remove the title would latch on to anything, even at the cost of an illustrious reputation, to further their goals.

That is why his apology and explanation met with silence and rejection: hearing it would undermine the agenda.