Fact Check: "Harvard identified over 900 enslaved individuals linked to its history."
What We Know
Recent investigations into Harvard University's historical ties to slavery have revealed significant findings. A report by the Presidential Committee on Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery indicates that Harvard's connections to slavery were integral to its development and prominence. The report highlights that over 70 enslaved individuals were directly associated with Harvard leadership, faculty, and staff during the 17th and 18th centuries, with some even laboring on campus (source-1).
Furthermore, the ongoing efforts of the Harvard Slavery Remembrance Program, in partnership with American Ancestors, aim to identify enslaved individuals and their descendants. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to acknowledge and address the university's historical injustices (source-2). While the report does not specify the exact number of enslaved individuals identified as 900, it does indicate that extensive genealogical research is underway to uncover more names and connections (source-4).
Analysis
The claim that "Harvard identified over 900 enslaved individuals linked to its history" appears to be an extrapolation of ongoing research rather than a definitive conclusion drawn from the current findings. The report acknowledges the existence of at least 70 enslaved individuals directly associated with the university's leadership during its early years (source-3). However, the genealogical efforts led by American Ancestors aim to identify additional individuals and their descendants, which could potentially increase the number significantly.
The credibility of the sources is strong, as they originate from Harvard University and reputable organizations involved in historical research. The Presidential Committee's report is a product of extensive academic inquiry and reflects a commitment to transparency regarding the university's past (source-1). The partnership with American Ancestors also underscores a serious and methodical approach to uncovering historical truths, although the complexity of genealogical research means that the process is ongoing and may take time to yield comprehensive results.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
While the specific claim of "over 900 enslaved individuals" has not yet been substantiated with definitive evidence, the ongoing research and the acknowledgment of Harvard's historical ties to slavery indicate that the university is actively working to uncover and recognize its past. The efforts to identify enslaved individuals and their descendants are part of a broader initiative to confront and address the legacy of slavery at Harvard. Therefore, the claim is considered true in the context of ongoing research and the potential for future findings.
