With the publication of Yale and Slavery: A History, Yale community members and others are becoming more aware of a history that includes the involvement of some of Yale’s early leaders and residents of New Haven and Connecticut in the promotion of slavery, anti-Black racism, and other forms of exploitation of Black and Indigenous people. Yale and Slavery: A History provides a more complete narrative not only of Yale’s history, but also that of New Haven, Connecticut, and the nation. It helps us understand Yale’s identity as an institution, and provides a necessary foundation on which to build a stronger, more knowledgeable, and more vibrant institution and university community.
In the process of learning, each of us will inevitably experience a range of feelings and reactions about the place and community where we have raised families, built careers, forged lifelong friendships, and made a home, even if temporary. We may feel alarmed, sobered, angry, sad, confused, or uncertain as we reckon with the stories of those who came before us. To fully understand and own our past, we must also accept, listen to, hear, and speak about our feelings about that past. As we engage with new information, or re-engage with information already learned, and experience a full range of emotions, the resources and recommendations in this document can be helpful. The Group-Specific Resources on this page provide information for faculty, staff, students, and alumni.
Issues related to racism and racial oppression are often approached with greater emphasis on cognitive processing and minimizing attention to emotions, compassion, and empathy. Taking another’s perspective can help lead to a better understanding of complex issues and histories, and lead to personal growth. In engaging with Yale’s history with slavery, we are reminded that this is a human story, and the humanity of those affected by this legacy – past and present – should be an important element of our engagements and discussions.
This information will be updated periodically. To comment, contact the Office of the Secretary and Vice President for University Life .