Fact Check: "Harvard's history linked to slavery includes 70 enslaved individuals identified before 2020."
What We Know
In April 2022, a comprehensive report was released by Harvard University detailing its historical ties to slavery. This report, prepared by the Presidential Committee on Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery, confirmed that over the span of nearly 150 years, from the university's founding in 1636 until the abolition of slavery in Massachusetts in 1783, more than 70 individuals were enslaved by Harvard leaders, faculty, and staff. Some of these enslaved individuals lived and worked on the university's campus (Radcliffe Institute, New York Times).
The report also emphasized that these individuals were part of the fabric of daily life at Harvard, although their presence was often overlooked in historical narratives (Radcliffe Institute). The findings were based on extensive archival research conducted in various libraries and historical societies (Radcliffe Institute).
Analysis
The claim that "Harvard's history linked to slavery includes 70 enslaved individuals identified before 2020" is substantiated by multiple credible sources. The report from Harvard's Presidential Committee explicitly states that more than 70 individuals were enslaved, and this figure is corroborated by historical documentation and research conducted by scholars (Radcliffe Institute, New York Times).
The reliability of these sources is high, as they originate from Harvard University itself and are supported by rigorous academic research. The committee's work builds on previous studies and acknowledges the university's complicity in slavery, which has been a topic of increasing scrutiny in recent years (Radcliffe Institute). Furthermore, the report was released in a context where discussions about race and historical injustices were intensifying across the nation, adding to its relevance and urgency (New York Times).
While some discussions around Harvard's historical ties to slavery have been contentious, the committee's findings are presented as part of a broader movement among educational institutions to confront and acknowledge their pasts. This includes the work of other universities that have similarly examined their connections to slavery (Radcliffe Institute).
Conclusion
Verdict: True. The claim that Harvard's history linked to slavery includes 70 enslaved individuals identified before 2020 is accurate. The evidence from the university's own report, along with corroborating historical research, confirms that more than 70 individuals were enslaved by members of the Harvard community. This acknowledgment is part of a larger effort to confront and address the legacies of slavery in American higher education.
