Georgetown University’s Troubled Past: Grappling with the Legacy of Slavery
Georgetown University, a prestigious Catholic institution in Washington, D.C., is confronting its dark history of involvement in the slave trade. Founded in 1789, the university’s financial foundation was partly built on the sale of 272 enslaved people.
Uncovering the University’s Ties to Slavery
The Working Group on Slavery, Memory and Reconciliation, established in September, has been tasked with examining Georgetown’s past relationship with slavery and recommending ways to reconcile it with the present. The group’s research revealed that former university president Thomas F. Mulledy oversaw the sale of these enslaved individuals in the 1830s to pay off university debts.
Renaming Buildings to Reflect the Past
In response to the Working Group’s findings and student activism, the university has decided to rename two buildings that bear the names of individuals connected to the slave trade:
- Mulledy Hall, named after the aforementioned president, will be temporarily renamed Freedom Hall.
- McSherry Hall, named after another university president who advised Mulledy on the slave sale, will be renamed Remembrance Hall until a permanent name is chosen.
Student Activism and Ongoing Demands
Georgetown student activists have been vocal in their demands for the university to fully address its legacy of slavery. In addition to the building name changes, they are calling for:
- Renaming another campus building with ties to slavery
- Incorporating slave history into campus tours
- Marking the graves of enslaved individuals on campus
- Endowing new professorships for scholars of color
The activists have been using the hashtag #Builton272 to raise awareness of their cause and remind the university and the public of the human cost of its founding.
Reconciliation and Moving Forward
The Working Group’s recommendations and the university’s response represent a significant step towards acknowledging and addressing Georgetown’s history of slavery. However, student activists emphasize that these actions are only a starting point. They continue to advocate for a comprehensive reconciliation process that fully addresses the university’s role in the institution of slavery and its lasting impact on the Georgetown community and beyond.
Addressing the Legacy of Slavery
Georgetown University’s decision to confront its past is a reflection of a broader national reckoning with the legacy of slavery in the United States. Institutions of higher education, in particular, are being called upon to examine their own historical connections to slavery and to take steps to make amends.
The efforts at Georgetown University serve as a model for other institutions seeking to grapple with their own troubled histories. By confronting the past and engaging in dialogue with student activists, universities can create a more inclusive and just future for all.