Fact Check: Over 100 universities are investigating their ties to slavery.

Fact Check: "Over 100 universities are investigating their ties to slavery."

What We Know

The claim that "over 100 universities are investigating their ties to slavery" is supported by the existence of the Universities Studying Slavery (USS) consortium, which includes more than 100 institutions across the United States, Canada, and other countries. This consortium focuses on examining the historical connections of universities to slavery and the legacies of those ties. The USS aims to promote truth-telling and educational projects related to human bondage and its impacts (source-4, source-3).

For example, the University of Maryland's 1856 Project is part of this initiative and has received funding to investigate its historical ties to slavery. This project aims to document the histories of enslaved individuals and ensure their contributions are recognized (source-2). Additionally, the task force at Loyola University Maryland has also been active in examining its connections to slavery and has participated in discussions with other institutions involved in similar investigations (source-1).

Analysis

While the claim is fundamentally accurate, it requires some nuance. The phrase "investigating their ties to slavery" can be interpreted in various ways. The USS consortium indeed comprises over 100 universities, and many of these institutions are actively engaged in research and discussions about their historical connections to slavery. However, not all universities may be conducting formal investigations or have established projects akin to the University of Maryland's 1856 Project.

The credibility of the sources supporting this claim is generally high. The USS is a recognized consortium that includes reputable institutions, and its activities are documented through various academic and news outlets (source-4, source-2). However, some reports may vary in the depth and scope of their investigations, which could lead to differing interpretations of what "investigating" entails.

Moreover, while the USS provides a framework for universities to engage with their past, the extent of each institution's involvement can vary significantly. Some may have comprehensive programs, while others might only be in the preliminary stages of acknowledgment or research (source-5). This variability is crucial in assessing the overall impact and commitment of these universities to address their historical ties to slavery.

Conclusion

The claim that "over 100 universities are investigating their ties to slavery" is Partially True. It accurately reflects the existence of the USS consortium and the involvement of numerous universities in examining their historical connections to slavery. However, the degree of investigation and the specific actions taken by each institution can differ widely, which means that while many are indeed involved, not all may be conducting thorough investigations at this time.

Fact Check: Over 100 universities are investigating their ties to slavery.