Fact Check: "Harvard's Legacy of Slavery Initiative halted after uncovering too many enslaved names."
What We Know
The claim that Harvard's Legacy of Slavery Initiative has been halted is not supported by evidence. In fact, the initiative is ongoing and has been actively working to address the university's historical ties to slavery. According to the Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative, the program aims to "tell the truth about our legacies of slavery and work to mend enduring harms through purposeful change." The initiative was established following the release of a comprehensive report in April 2022, which detailed Harvard's direct, financial, and intellectual ties to slavery and included seven broad recommendations for addressing these issues.
The report highlighted that Harvard has direct ties to slavery, having enslaved more than 70 individuals during the 17th and 18th centuries, and that it has financial ties to slavery, with significant donations from individuals who profited from slavery (see source-2). The initiative continues to focus on memorialization, advancing partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), and supporting descendant communities.
Analysis
The assertion that the initiative was halted due to uncovering too many enslaved names lacks credible support. The sources available indicate that the initiative is not only active but also expanding its scope. For instance, a recent article from The Crimson discusses ongoing efforts and challenges within the initiative, including internal conflicts and administrative pressures, but does not suggest that the initiative has been stopped or suspended.
Moreover, the original report and the ongoing activities of the initiative demonstrate a commitment to transparency and accountability regarding Harvard's historical connections to slavery. The initiative's leadership has expressed a desire to engage with the community and continue its work, as seen in their focus on memorialization and educational outreach.
The claim appears to be a misinterpretation or misrepresentation of the current status of the initiative. There is no evidence from reliable sources indicating that the initiative has been halted or that it faced overwhelming challenges that would lead to such a decision.
Conclusion
Verdict: False
The claim that Harvard's Legacy of Slavery Initiative has been halted is false. The initiative remains active and continues to work toward addressing the university's historical ties to slavery. There is no credible evidence to support the assertion that the initiative was stopped due to uncovering too many enslaved names. Instead, the initiative is focused on ongoing reparative efforts and community engagement.
