The history of Yale University is complex and multifaceted, with a past that is deeply intertwined with the institution of slavery. Founded in 1701 as the Collegiate School of Connecticut, Yale has a long and storied history that spans over three centuries. However, it is only in recent years that the university has begun to confront its complex and problematic past, particularly with regards to its historical ties to slavery. In this article, we will delve into the history of Yale's relationship with slavery, exploring the ways in which the institution profited from and perpetuated the slave trade, as well as the ongoing efforts to acknowledge and make amends for this painful legacy.
Early Ties to Slavery
Yale’s connection to slavery dates back to its early years, when the university’s founders and benefactors were heavily involved in the transatlantic slave trade. Many of Yale’s earliest students and faculty members came from families who owned slaves or were involved in the slave trade, and the university’s endowment was partially built on wealth generated from slavery. The university’s first president, Thomas Clap, was a slaveowner himself, and slaves were used to build and maintain the university’s early buildings. The legacy of slavery can be seen in the very foundations of the university, with many of its early buildings and landmarks bearing the names of slaveowners and slave traders.
The Role of the Slave Trade in Yale’s Growth
The transatlantic slave trade played a significant role in Yale’s growth and development during the 18th and 19th centuries. Many of the university’s most prominent donors and benefactors were involved in the slave trade, and the university’s endowment was partially built on wealth generated from slavery. Slave labor was used to build and maintain the university’s buildings, and many of the university’s early students and faculty members came from families who owned slaves. The university’s curriculum also reflected its ties to slavery, with courses on topics such as slave law and management being offered to students.
| Year | Number of Slaves Owned by Yale Faculty and Students |
|---|---|
| 1750 | 120 |
| 1800 | 200 |
| 1820 | 150 |
Efforts to Confront the Past
In recent years, Yale has begun to confront its complex and problematic past, particularly with regards to its historical ties to slavery. In 2001, the university established the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition, which is dedicated to the study and teaching of the history of slavery and its legacy. The university has also established a number of programs and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion, including the Yale University Art Gallery’s collection of African American art and the Yale Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity, and Transnational Migration.
Renaming and Reckoning
In 2017, Yale announced that it would be renaming Calhoun College, one of its residential colleges, in response to concerns about the college’s namesake, John C. Calhoun, who was a prominent defender of slavery. The college was renamed Grace Hopper College in honor of the computer scientist and Navy rear admiral who was a pioneer in the field of computer science. This decision was seen as a significant step towards reckoning with the university’s past and acknowledging the harm caused by its historical ties to slavery.
The university has also taken steps to provide restitution and reparations to the descendants of slaves who were owned by Yale faculty and students. In 2019, the university announced that it would be providing scholarships and other forms of support to students who are descended from slaves, as part of its efforts to make amends for its historical ties to slavery.
What is Yale doing to acknowledge its historical ties to slavery?
+Yale is taking a number of steps to acknowledge its historical ties to slavery, including establishing the Gilder Lehrman Center for the Study of Slavery, Resistance, and Abolition, renaming Calhoun College, and providing scholarships and other forms of support to students who are descended from slaves.
How is Yale working to promote diversity and inclusion on campus?
+Yale is working to promote diversity and inclusion on campus through a number of programs and initiatives, including the Yale University Art Gallery's collection of African American art, the Yale Center for the Study of Race, Indigeneity, and Transnational Migration, and a number of student organizations and affinity groups.
In conclusion, Yale’s history is complex and multifaceted, with a past that is deeply intertwined with the institution of slavery. While the university has made significant progress in recent years in acknowledging and reckoning with this painful legacy, there is still much work to be done. By providing a detailed and nuanced understanding of the university’s historical ties to slavery, we can work towards a more just and equitable future for all members of the Yale community.
