Harvard University terminated staff members involved in its $100 million Legacy of Slavery project, effective the same day, with employees unaware of impending layoffs. Richard J. Cellini, the project's director, accused Sara Bleich of obstructing the project's goals regarding uncovering the descendants of enslaved individuals. His departure was marked by mixed responses; while he received praise from Henry Louis Gates, Jr. for his contributions, the project now transitions to American Ancestors for future initiatives. Harvard's aim since its partnership with American Ancestors in 2022 has been to meticulously trace the descendants of enslaved individuals linked to the university.
Harvard University laid off the staff of its $100 million project aimed at uncovering its ties to slavery, with employees notified of termination effective the same day.
Richard J. Cellini was let go after accusing Sara Bleich of trying to repress the number of descendants uncovered by the project.
Henry Louis Gates, Jr. praised Cellini’s early contributions to the project but emphasized the transition to American Ancestors for further efforts in historical research.
Harvard's partnership with American Ancestors began in 2022 to identify direct descendants of enslaved individuals connected to the university.
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