Fact Check: "Harvard feared bankruptcy from identifying too many descendants of enslaved people."
What We Know
The claim that "Harvard feared bankruptcy from identifying too many descendants of enslaved people" lacks direct evidence and is not substantiated by credible sources. Recently, Harvard University agreed to relinquish ownership of images of enslaved ancestors to their descendant, Tamara Lanier, after a six-year legal battle (NPR). This legal case revolved around the ownership of daguerreotypes of enslaved individuals, specifically Renty and Delia Taylor, which were taken in 1850 for a study by Louis Agassiz, a proponent of scientific racism (PBS, Reuters).
The university's decision to return these images was not explicitly linked to fears of financial repercussions or bankruptcy. Instead, it appears to be a resolution to a legal dispute regarding the rightful ownership of the images and the ethical implications surrounding their use (New York Times).
Analysis
The assertion that Harvard feared bankruptcy due to identifying descendants of enslaved individuals seems to stem from a misunderstanding or misrepresentation of the context surrounding the university's recent actions. While Harvard has faced scrutiny and legal challenges regarding its historical ties to slavery, particularly in relation to the ownership of images of enslaved people, there is no credible evidence to suggest that the university's motivations were driven by financial fears.
The sources that discuss Harvard's relinquishment of the images focus on the ethical and historical implications of their ownership rather than financial concerns. For instance, the NPR report emphasizes the personal connection of Lanier to the images and the historical significance of the portraits, rather than any financial implications for Harvard (NPR). Similarly, the New York Times article highlights the broader context of universities grappling with their historical ties to slavery but does not mention bankruptcy fears (New York Times).
Furthermore, the reliability of the sources discussing this issue is high, as they come from established news organizations with a track record of journalistic integrity. However, the claim itself appears to lack a foundation in the available evidence.
Conclusion
Verdict: Needs Research
The claim that Harvard feared bankruptcy from identifying too many descendants of enslaved people is not supported by credible evidence. The university's recent decision to return images of enslaved ancestors seems to be rooted in ethical considerations and legal obligations rather than financial fears. Further research would be necessary to clarify the origins of this claim and to assess any potential financial implications that may not have been publicly disclosed.
Sources
- Sian Reese-Williams - Wikipedia
- After six years, Harvard relinquishes images of enslaved ... - NPR
- Harvard Relents After Protracted Fight Over Slave Photos
- Harvard to relinquish photos of enslaved people to resolve descendant's ...
- Sian Reese-Williams - IMDb
- Harvard ends legal battle over early photos of enslaved people ... - PBS
