Harvard's Slaveowner Ties Ignite Fight Over Law School Seal

The faculty members who preside over Harvard University’s 12 undergraduate residential houses have agreed to change their name from house master to something yet to be decided. Harvard students called for the change, arguing that the term is tied to slavery.

A group of Harvard Law students called Royall Must Fall, is also taking issue with the law school’s seal, parts of which come from the Royall family crest. Isaac Royall, Jr. was a slaveowner and son of a slavetrader who played a key role in creating Harvard Law School.

This comes at a time when conversations and protests about race are taking place on college campuses across the country.

Here & Now’s Peter O’Dowd visited Harvard’s campus today to speak with students. He joins host Indira Lakshmanan with details.

Guest

• Peter O'Dowd, assistant managing editor at Here & Now. He tweets @odowdpeter.

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