Harvard University has scaled back its reparations initiative linked to Antigua and Barbuda, following shifts in US policy that have reduced funding for diversity and historical justice programs.
The initiative was aimed at addressing Harvard’s historical ties to slavery, particularly through Isaac Royall Jr., a major benefactor of Harvard Law School, who owned multiple plantations in Antigua. It included financial support for historical research and academic collaborations with the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus.
Chief of Staff in the Prime Minister’s Office, Lionel Hurst, confirmed the development during a post-cabinet briefing, stating that Harvard had significantly reduced its financial commitments and laid off key personnel involved in the project.
“They have essentially fired those who were brought on for the purpose of engaging in reparatory justice,” he said. “We are not speaking of trinkets. We want something that is proportionate to the value which Harvard received as a consequence of Royall’s use of enslaved people.”
Hurst suggested that broader US policy changes had influenced Harvard’s decision. “The withdrawal of Harvard from a substantive response to our demands is, in part, a response to what is taking place within the United States,” he said.
The government is now considering alternative ways to continue research on the impact of slavery and to advocate for reparative justice.
Local scholars and activists have expressed concern over the funding cuts, warning that they could weaken efforts to address historical injustices.
Harvard has not commented publicly on the matter.
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Why would Antigua be due any monies when these were ultimately Africans. Why wouldn’t Africa be the one to benefit from the injustice.. Why Antigua?
“to the value which Harvard received as a consequence of Royall’s use of enslaved people.”
Mr Really? <<– your right
What is it about this news portal why it attracts idiots to jump out and make the initial comments?
What is it about this news portal why it attracts idiots to jump out and make the initial comments?
I was told from sources, Harvard University was unimpressed with the quality of the academics at University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands.
In addition, the mediocre research scholars presented from the region to work along side with Harvard would be a waste of their money.
Take note that Mr. Hurst Local “scholars and activists have expressed concern over the funding cuts, warning that they could weaken efforts to address historical injustices”
It’s all about the money, not the scholarship and research.
I wonder who are those scholars
Isn’t it interesting that Jamaica Kincaid a Harvard adjunct professor was on island recently with ABLP Ministers who has nothing to do with education.
The same political Party who called her traitor for writing her block buster book “A small place.”
How many of the Harvard people has returned home asking @Why is this guy wearing a Hitler moustache
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