Presidents and Professors: University Leaders Who Owned Slaves
The influence of slavery on American universities extended beyond funding and construction—many college presidents, trustees, and professors were themselves slave owners. Their personal interests and beliefs shaped campus life, academic priorities, and even admissions policies. At Princeton, for example, several early leaders and faculty members enslaved people, directly impacting the university’s culture and operations. This legacy has recently come under scrutiny as institutions examine their pasts. Princeton’s historical investigation details the complex connections between its leadership and slavery. Explore Princeton’s findings here.
