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American History

15 Elite Colleges That Owe Their Foundations to Enslaved Labor

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3. Princeton University

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From 1760, the first picture of Nassau Hall. Source: Wikipedia

Princeton University’s foundation is closely linked to individuals who directly profited from slavery. Early presidents, trustees, and donors often owned enslaved people or derived wealth from the slave economy, fueling the institution’s growth. This legacy is now the subject of ongoing academic research and public engagement through the Princeton & Slavery Project, which uncovers the university’s deep entanglements with enslavement. Their work continues to shed light on forgotten histories and prompt dialogue about Princeton’s responsibility. Explore further at the Princeton & Slavery Project.

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