Fact Check: Harvard's slavery ties revealed over 900 enslaved individuals linked to the university.

Fact Check: "Harvard's slavery ties revealed over 900 enslaved individuals linked to the university."

What We Know

A recent report from the Presidential Committee on Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery reveals that Harvard University has deep historical ties to slavery, including the involvement of over 900 enslaved individuals linked to the institution. This report, released in April 2022, outlines how Harvard's growth and prominence were significantly influenced by slavery and slave-related financial contributions. The report indicates that more than 70 enslaved individuals were owned by Harvard presidents and other leaders, faculty, and staff during the colonial era (Harvard Gazette). Furthermore, it highlights that a substantial portion of donations received in the 19th century came from individuals whose wealth was derived from slavery (Harvard Legacy of Slavery Report).

The report also emphasizes that the legacy of slavery has persisted into modern times, affecting admissions policies and institutional culture (Harvard Gazette). The findings are part of a broader movement among universities to confront their historical ties to slavery, with Harvard committing to a $100 million fund to address these issues (Harvard Gazette).

Analysis

The claim that "over 900 enslaved individuals" are linked to Harvard is substantiated by the findings of the report from the Presidential Committee on Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery. The report is a comprehensive investigation that draws on extensive archival research and historical documentation, making it a credible source of information regarding Harvard's past (Harvard Legacy of Slavery Report).

The report's authors, including legal scholar and historian Tomiko Brown-Nagin, are reputable figures in academia, which adds to the reliability of the findings. Additionally, the report has been accepted by Harvard's administration, indicating institutional acknowledgment of its historical ties to slavery (Harvard Gazette).

However, while the report provides a detailed account of Harvard's connections to slavery, it is essential to note that the interpretation of these findings can vary. Some may argue that the historical context of slavery complicates the narrative, as institutions like Harvard have also been associated with abolitionist movements and contributions to civil rights (Harvard Gazette). Nonetheless, the evidence presented in the report strongly supports the claim regarding the number of enslaved individuals associated with Harvard.

Conclusion

Verdict: True
The claim that "Harvard's slavery ties revealed over 900 enslaved individuals linked to the university" is accurate based on the findings of the Presidential Committee on Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery. The report provides substantial evidence of Harvard's historical connections to slavery, including the ownership of enslaved individuals by university leaders and the financial contributions from donors involved in the slave trade. The acknowledgment of these ties by Harvard's administration further solidifies the truth of this claim.

Sources

1. Slavery probe: Harvard's ties inseparable from rise
2. PDF HARVARD & THE LEGACY OF SLAVERY INITIATIVE - Harvard University
3. Harvard Affiliates, Slavery, and the Slave Trade into the 19th Century
4. Financial Ties: Harvard and the Slavery Economy
5. Report - Harvard & the Legacy of Slavery
6. Introduction and Findings | Radcliffe Institute for Advanced ...
7. Harvard agrees to transfer photos of enslaved people to black ... - BBC
8. The Major Findings of Harvard's Report on Its Ties to Slavery