(Cross posted from
"For Our Future".)
In recent years, African-American activists have pressured modern institutions with historical involvement in the slave trade to acknowledge their role and make amends. Some have called for companies to pay a form of reparations. Most institutions have rejected this idea, but have made some concessions.
Brown University appointed a
committee to study the issue and the body recommended a number of steps. While it stops short of calling for reparations, it does call for Brown to develop an African-American studies program, build a memorial, and develop educational programs for students. This has broad implications for all colleges and universities.
Brown is not the only educational institution with ties to slavery. It is almost impossible to name a college in the South that would be untainted for this sad legacy. Hopefully, other universities will follow the lead of Brown. There are many institutions that have not been held accountable for their role in the slave trade. This is a step in the right direction.