Research into historic slavery links
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It is important we learn from our past and acknowledge where we may have benefitted from action that would not be acceptable today.
As part of this, the University of Nottingham commissioned research, together with Nottingham Trent University, into historic connections to the transatlantic slave economy and we are publishing the findings of this research here.
This report establishes the historical context behind the universities’ development, explores the extent and nature of links to this contested part of Britain’s past, and illuminates the contemporary legacies of slavery. This research will also form part of a wider picture of the historic links seen across the higher education sector, as a number of other universities have commissioned similar work to understand better their own links.
We are keen to offer support to our community who may be affected by the issues raised in this report and we are taking steps to establish the most appropriate ways to address the findings and consider appropriate reparations.
You can access support through our student and staff wellbeing and support services.
Report summary
Context
In 2019, the University of Nottingham and Nottingham Trent University commissioned a study on their historic connections to the transatlantic slave economy. This followed similar studies carried out by other institutions and organisations, both in the sector and across wider society.
Headline findings
Some donations received by the universities came from patrons with historic links to the transatlantic slave economy and other benefactors have had connections to sectors or inheritance that were connected to the transatlantic slave trade.
The report covers financial contributions and benefactors that have had some level of connection to the transatlantic slave economy.
You can read more about the specifics in the full report.
Next steps
This is the first step to acknowledging links and connections to practices that have existed in history but are far from acceptable today.
The university's reparative justice work in relation to this report will be aligned to ongoing actions in our Race Equality Charter institutional delivery plan, which is designed to improve the representation, progression and success of minoritised ethnic staff and students within higher educaton.