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Wake Forest President Apologizes for Slavery's Role in University's Past

Associated Press

   WINSTON-SALEM, NORTH CAROLINA - The president of Wake Forest University
   issued an apology Thursday for the role of slavery in the school's
   past.

   The statement from Nathan Hatch came after a series of events that
   stirred up racial tension on the campus, including anonymous, racist
   emails sent to faculty members last year. Schools around the South and
   beyond have been grappling in recent years with what to do about past
   ties to slavery or white supremacy.

   ``It is important and overdue that, on behalf of Wake Forest
   University, I unequivocally apologize for participating in and
   benefiting from the institution of slavery,'' Hatch said during his
   remarks on campus. ``I apologize for the exploitation and use of
   enslaved people--both those known and unknown--who helped create and
   build this university through no choice of their own.''

   Hedidn't mentionthe recent tension on the campus resulting from a
   threatening email that caused the head of the sociology department to
   shut down his building and suspend classes for a week. A statement
   issued after his remarks noted that Hatch last year convened a
   committee to look at race issues and the legacy of slavery on campus.

   During Hatch's remarks,somestudents stood up in a silent demonstration.
   Senior Alexander Holt, who helped organize the gesture, said in an
   emailed statement before the event that the people planned to stand in
   recognition of the involuntary sacrifices of enslaved people and the
   continuing impact of slavery's legacy on current students.

   Among other universities apologizing fortheirrole in slavery was the
   University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill in 2018.

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