Harvard's Slavery Research Initiative Faces Exodus Amid Allegations of Obstruction
Harvard University's ambitious $100 million initiative to examine its historical ties to slavery has descended into turmoil, with multiple researchers quitting or being fired amid claims of institutional obstruction. The project, launched in 2022 as the Harvard and the Legacy of Slavery Initiative, was intended to foster openness and accountability regarding the university's deep connections to the transatlantic slave trade, particularly in the Caribbean. However, academics involved allege that the university has actively hindered efforts to engage with descendant communities and uncover the full extent of its past.
Intern's Abrupt Dismissal Sparks Concerns
Christopher Newman, a doctoral student at Howard University, experienced the university's resistance firsthand during a summer internship in 2024. Hired to create an annotated bibliography for the initiative, Newman's curiosity led him to explore Harvard's links to Antigua, where he connected with the Lloyd family, descendants of people enslaved by a Harvard benefactor. After raising the topic multiple times with library staff, he was met with silence. In July 2024, shortly after completing his project, Newman was escorted off campus by police, banned, and fired, accused of misrepresenting himself and overstepping his role. "I was asking too many questions," Newman said, reflecting on his dismissal. "It seemed like nobody was really trying to hear that." A Harvard spokesperson stated that Newman was an intern with the library, not the initiative, and that only the latter is authorized for descendant research.
Wider Exodus of Academics and Researchers
The controversy extends beyond Newman. Three Harvard-affiliated academics have stepped down from the initiative, citing interference with their work. Vincent Brown, a history professor, resigned last winter after a research team visiting Antigua was unexpectedly fired. "I felt like I was basically sacrificing my scholarly reputation to stay on a project that didn't have scholarship as its priority," Brown said. Additionally, 11 researchers working on related projects have been dismissed, and two professors accused the university of trying to "delay and dilute" efforts to connect with descendant communities. The former executive director also stepped down for personal reasons, further destabilizing the initiative.
Historical Ties to the Caribbean and Antigua
Harvard's connections to slavery are deeply rooted in the Caribbean, especially Antigua. From its founding in 1636, the university benefited from the transatlantic trade, with early leaders like John Winthrop facilitating shipments between New England and Caribbean plantations. Winthrop's son, Samuel, became a major planter in Antigua, enslaving dozens and donating land to Harvard. By the late 17th century, nearly half of trading ships in the Caribbean were from New England, enriching Harvard through sugar and enslaved labor. Independent researcher Richard Cellini, before being fired, identified over 900 enslaved people linked to Harvard, with estimates suggesting up to 10,000 living descendants, far exceeding the university's initial count of 70.
Allegations of Evasion and Performative Actions
Critics argue that Harvard's initiative is more about public relations than substantive reparations. Caitlin DeAngelis, a former researcher, found names of over 200 enslaved people on an Antiguan plantation tied to Harvard, but none appeared in the 2022 report. "They tend to limit the number of people that they acknowledge," she said, calling the approach evasive. Carla Martin, a Harvard lecturer, labeled the initiative "window dressing" and "more performative than substantive." The university has faced repeated requests from Antigua's government for reparations, including scholarships and support for the University of the West Indies, but has offered only discounted business courses, sparking disappointment.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
The fallout has led to significant departures, with Brown moving to Yale, citing stronger commitment to historical inquiry there. Newman, now completing his doctorate, expressed disappointment, noting a missed opportunity for community engagement. "There was a great opportunity for Harvard to really be involved with the outside community," he said. "They turned their backs." As the initiative struggles, questions remain about Harvard's willingness to fully confront its legacy, with ongoing allegations of obstruction casting a shadow over its $100 million pledge.
