The University of Virginia has announced the formation of a commission that will investigate the university’s historical relationship with slavery. The commission is made up of 27 faculty and staff, students, alumni, and members of the local community.
Teresa A. Sullivan, president of the University of Virginia, stated, “The commission builds on the effort of many members of our University community who have worked to raise awareness of the University’s relationship with slavery and to commemorate the role of enslaved persons in appropriate ways.”
Marcus Martin, vice president and chief of diversity and equity and a co-chair of the commission, explained the role of the panel: “As the commission explores the University’s relationship with slavery, opportunities will arise around interpreting historical significance of certain buildings, development of historical exhibitions incorporating interpretive media, and recognition and commemoration of enslaved laborers’ contributions.”
