NEW HAVEN, CT (Diya TV) — Yale University has issued a formal apology for its historical ties to slavery, shedding light on its connections not only to the United States but also to India, where its benefactor Elihu Yale had significant involvement.
The apology marks a significant step in Yale’s ongoing efforts to confront its past and promote inclusivity and equity on campus. It comes after years of research and examination, detailed in the scholarly book “Yale and Slavery: A History” authored by Professor David W. Blight and the Yale and Slavery Research Project.
While Elihu Yale’s direct involvement in the slave trade is disputed, the university acknowledges his ties to the East India Company, which conducted commerce in Madras, India, where the slave trade flourished. Yale’s wealth derived from various commodities, including those tied to the slave trade, highlighting the complex global connections of the institution.
Yale’s apology is not only about its ties to slavery but also about recognizing the contributions and experiences of enslaved people, including those who labored in Madras and other regions connected to Yale’s history. The university says it is remorseful for the ways its leaders participated in slavery and acknowledges the lasting impact of these actions.
In addition to the apology, Yale has announced a series of actions and initiatives aimed at addressing its historical legacy and promoting positive change. These initiatives include partnerships with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), efforts to increase educational access, and projects to better reflect Yale’s history across campus.
Yale’s connections to India are not limited to its ties to slavery. The university has a long history of engagement with India, with notable Indian alumni including former Pepsico President Indra Nooyi, journalist and commentator Fareed Zakaria, and former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s daughter Amrit Singh, among others.
