Enslaved and Indigenous people died, then their remains were hoarded by this institution

 

It's time for Harvard to make this right.

Harvard University Has Been Illegally Holding Onto the Remains of Thousands of Enslaved and Indigenous People

Sign Now

According to a recent report obtained by its student newspaper, the Harvard Crimson, Harvard University still holds the remains of thousands of Native American people and many enslaved Africans. Not only is this illegal; it deepens the racist, unjust wounds that Harvard and other universities like it have perpetuated against these communities for years. This is unacceptable, and we must demand accountability for the unthinkable harm they have been causing for centuries now.    Since 1990, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act has legally required institutions that were holding Indigenous remains to return them to the appropriate communities, tribes, or affinity groups. That means that Harvard has had over 30 years to prioritize this process, abide by the law, and return these remains as a small act of accountability amidst hundreds of years of unethical research. And yet it still clings to these stolen items at the horrifying expense of today's Indigenous and Black communities.    Harvard's endowment was a whopping $53.2 billion as of 2021. There is absolutely no excuse for this university to drag its feet. We must put pressure on Harvard to return these remains to the appropriate communities and redistribute any profits they gained from their display or research! Will you add your name?

Thank you, Lauren Care2 Petitions Team

P.S. A leaked draft report revealed that Harvard University is hoarding the remains of Indigenous and enslaved people, denying their ancestors, communities, and affinity groups true justice and healing. Sign the petition.      Sign Now