Fact Check: Harvard's 2022 report on slavery included a 100m endowment for reparations.

Fact Check: Harvard's 2022 Report on Slavery Included a $100 Million Endowment for Reparations

What We Know

In April 2022, Harvard University released a comprehensive report titled "Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery," which examined the institution's historical ties to slavery. This report was produced by a committee led by historian Tomiko Brown-Nagin and included findings that highlighted Harvard's connections to slavery, including the use of enslaved individuals on campus and financial support from donors involved in the slave trade (Harvard Gazette, NY Times).

As part of the report's recommendations, Harvard President Larry Bacow announced the establishment of a $100 million fund. This fund is intended to address the educational, social, and economic disparities that are legacies of slavery, and it includes provisions for both immediate use and an endowment to ensure ongoing support for these initiatives (Reuters, Harvard Gazette). The fund is part of a broader effort to confront and reckon with the university's historical injustices (NY Times, NPR).

Analysis

The claim that Harvard's 2022 report on slavery included a $100 million endowment for reparations is substantiated by multiple reputable sources. The Harvard Gazette, which published details about the report, confirms that the $100 million fund was established by the Harvard Corporation to implement the report's recommendations (Harvard Gazette). Additionally, Reuters and the New York Times also reported on the fund, emphasizing its purpose to "close the educational, social and economic gaps that are legacies of slavery" (Reuters, NY Times).

The sources used in this analysis are credible and well-regarded in the field of journalism and academia. The Harvard Gazette is the university's official news outlet, ensuring that the information presented is accurate and reflective of the institution's official stance. Reuters and the New York Times are both established news organizations known for their rigorous reporting standards. Therefore, the information regarding the fund's establishment is reliable.

However, it is important to note that while the fund is a significant step towards addressing historical injustices, the term "reparations" can be contentious and is often debated in terms of its definition and implications. The fund's establishment does not equate to traditional reparations but is rather a commitment to addressing the legacies of slavery through educational initiatives and support (NPR).

Conclusion

The claim that Harvard's 2022 report on slavery included a $100 million endowment for reparations is True. The establishment of this fund is a direct response to the findings of the report and reflects Harvard's commitment to confronting its historical ties to slavery. The fund aims to address the ongoing impacts of these legacies, although it is not framed as traditional reparations.

Sources

1. Harvard sets up $100 million endowment fund for slavery reparations
2. Slavery probe: Harvard's ties inseparable from rise
3. Slavery probe: Harvard's ties inseparable from rise
4. Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative
5. Report of the Presidential Committee on Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery
6. The Major Findings of Harvard's Report on Its Ties to Slavery
7. Harvard Details Its Ties to Slavery and Its Plans for Redress
8. Harvard says it will issue reparations after report details its ties to slavery