Emory Regrets Ties To Slavery

ATLANTA — Emory University is one of Atlanta's finest institutions -- held in high esteem for its contributions to everything from education to health care. But there's a side of Emory you most likely don't know.

"It's sort of like exposing a secret of the family. You're a little embarrassed for the world to see," said Gary Hauk, Emory University vice president and deputy to the president.

Hauk's newly published book, titled "Where Courageous Inquiry Leads," reveals the connection between Emory's first campus in Oxford and slavery.

"The university rented slaves from surrounding slave owners who were engaged in construction activities," Hauk said.

John Emory, for whom the school is named, was a Methodist bishop and a slave owner. So was the school's first faculty and trustees, Hauk's research reveals.

Channel 2 Action News reporter Jovita Moore sat down with Ben Johnson, chairman of Emory's Board of Trustees, to discuss the revelations.

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"I think it's important for individuals and institutions to reconcile themselves to what the facts were so they can move forward, understanding," said Johnson.

This week, the trustees offered an apology of sorts.

"We acknowledge Emory's history is very much entwined with institution of slavery," Johnson said. "We say not only do we regret that, but we acknowledge slavery was undeniably wrong."

Slaves were used to build the Oxford campus, with buildings dating back to the 1800s.

Some students told Moore that admitting the history is the right thing to do.

"I think it's good. They're trying to absolve themselves from the issue and at least they're facing it head-on," said Nicholas Szem, a senior at Emory.

'I thought it was really noble, but I think it's just one step in Emory's path of healing that wound," said Emory graduate student Aquarius Gilmer.

WSBTV