UVa board speaks of 'regret' over university's use of slaves in 1800s

The University of Virginia’s governing board passed a resolution this month in which it expressed “particular regret” for using slaves during the first half-century of its existence, until the end of the Civil War. The resolution, which passed unanimously, notes that “mostly anonymous laborers,” both slave and free, helped build the university. In the document, the board also “recommits itself to the principles of equal opportunity.” A news release accompanying the resolution states that it “is believed to be” the first of its kind in American higher education.

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Facing Up to a Role in Slavery (Inside Higher Ed news story)