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American History

15 Elite Colleges That Owe Their Foundations to Enslaved Labor

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11. Rutgers University

old queens, new brunswick, nj looking north, 2014
Old Queens, the oldest building at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, New Jersey, built between 1809 and 1825; Old Queens houses much of the Rutgers University administration. Source: Wikipedia

Rutgers University’s roots are deeply entwined with the institution of slavery through its founders and early leadership. Presidents, trustees, and benefactors at Rutgers owned enslaved individuals, and enslaved labor was used in the construction and maintenance of the campus. This direct involvement has come to light through rigorous research and public engagement by the Scarlet and Black Project, which documents and disseminates Rutgers’ connection to slavery. For comprehensive resources and ongoing scholarship, visit the Scarlet and Black Project.

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