Harvard Slavery Research in Turmoil as Researchers Quit and Antigua Ties Draw Scrutiny

Harvard’s $100m Legacy of Slavery Initiative, aimed at tracing the university’s ties to slavery—including Antigua holdings, and reparations—has become contentious after three Harvard-affiliated academics resigned and 11 researchers were fired amid claims the administration blocked descendant-engagement and used the work as PR rather than genuine accountability. The project’s findings have grown to identify more than 1,300 enslaved people tied to Harvard and about 600 living descendants; Antigua officials and communities have pressed for reparative dialogue. Critics call the effort opaque window-dressing, while Harvard says it seeks community involvement and has pursued limited partnerships with institutions like the University of West Indies.