Fact Check: Harvard's Slavery Research Initiative Received a $100 Million Endowment
What We Know
On April 26, 2022, Harvard University President Larry Bacow announced a historic commitment of $100 million to fund the implementation of recommendations from the Report of the Committee on Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery. This report highlighted the university's extensive ties to slavery, which played a significant role in its rise to prominence (Harvard Gazette, Reuters). The funds are intended to support research and initiatives aimed at acknowledging and addressing the university's historical connections to slavery, including identifying and supporting direct descendants of enslaved individuals who labored at Harvard (AP News).
The initiative is part of a broader movement among universities to confront their historical ties to slavery, with more than 80 institutions participating in similar efforts (Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery Initiative). The commitment to this funding was accepted in full by Harvard's administration, indicating a serious institutional effort to reckon with its past (The Crimson).
Analysis
The claim that Harvard's slavery research initiative received a $100 million endowment is accurate and supported by multiple credible sources. The announcement made by President Bacow is documented in various reputable outlets, including the Harvard Gazette and Associated Press, both of which confirm the establishment of the fund and its purpose (Harvard Gazette, AP News).
The sources used in this fact-check are reliable, with the Harvard Gazette being the official news outlet of Harvard University, ensuring that the information is accurate and directly from the institution involved. The Associated Press and Reuters are established news agencies known for their journalistic integrity and fact-checking protocols. The Crimson, as a student-run newspaper, also provides a credible account of university-related news, particularly regarding significant institutional changes (The Crimson).
Conclusion
The claim that "Harvard's slavery research initiative received a $100 million endowment" is True. The evidence from multiple credible sources confirms that Harvard University has indeed committed this substantial amount to address its historical ties to slavery, demonstrating a significant institutional effort to confront and rectify its past.
