Washington, D.C., October 9, 2025
News Summary
Georgetown University has pledged a $10 million donation to the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation to address historical injustices related to slavery. This initiative is part of a larger goal to raise $1 billion for projects benefiting descendants of those enslaved by the university. Georgetown’s donation acknowledges its past involvement in slavery and aims to effect reparative justice by supporting educational and health initiatives for approximately 10,600 descendants identified from the 1838 sale. This contribution reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to racial equity and healing.
Washington, D.C. – Georgetown University has made a significant pledge of $10 million to the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation, an effort aimed at addressing the historical injustices tied to slavery and supporting the descendants of enslaved individuals sold by the university. This new financial commitment forms part of a larger initiative that seeks to raise $1 billion for various projects benefiting these descendants.
The donation comes in light of Georgetown’s historical ties to slavery, particularly the 1838 sale of 272 enslaved Africans and African Americans orchestrated by Thomas Mulledy, a Jesuit, which was intended to alleviate financial burdens and secure the university’s financial stability. This sale has been a major source of controversy and has prompted the institution to take steps towards reparative justice.
Over the years, Georgetown has taken multiple actions to acknowledge its dark past. In 2017, the university and the Maryland Province of Jesuits issued a public apology to the descendants—referred to as the GU272—and took further actions by renaming two campus buildings associated with the slave sale. Mulledy Hall was renamed to Isaac Hawkins Hall, and McSherry Hall was changed to Anne Marie Becraft Hall.
The proceeds from the 1838 sale allowed Georgetown to utilize the labor of enslaved individuals from its founding until the abolition of slavery in 1865. This history has raised ongoing discussions about racial justice and the need for reparative action within the university and its community.
Established in 1789, Georgetown University is a private, coeducational institution affiliated with the Jesuit order. It was the first Roman Catholic college in the United States and has expanded to include various schools, such as the College of Arts and Sciences, Walsh School of Foreign Service, and the Law School to name a few. Georgetown currently serves approximately 21,000 students in its undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
In a significant step towards restorative justice, the funds from the new donation will support educational grants, health assessments, and initiatives aimed at racial healing among the identified 10,600 descendants from the 1838 sale, as cataloged by the Georgetown Memory Project. Additionally, the university has been offering preferential admissions to descendants of slaves since 2017 as part of its reparatory justice program.
The legacy of Georgetown’s history is a continuing challenge, as the Maryland Jesuits who led the university justified their use of forced labor dating back to the 1700s. However, within their ranks, there was considerable internal debate regarding the moral implications of slaveholding practices in relation to their religious mission. Notable alumni from Georgetown include figures like Bill Clinton, Antonin Scalia, and Bradley Cooper.
Overall, Georgetown University’s recent contributions towards the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation mark a further commitment to acknowledging and addressing its complicated history with slavery. This initiative reflects a broader movement toward racial equity and restorative justice, aiming to right the wrongs of the past.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Georgetown University’s recent donation about?
Georgetown University has pledged a $10 million donation to the Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation, part of a broader initiative aiming to raise $1 billion to support descendants of the GU272 through various projects.
What is the history behind this donation?
The donation acknowledges Georgetown’s historical ties to slavery, specifically the 1838 sale of 272 enslaved Africans and African Americans by Thomas Mulledy, a Jesuit, to settle debts and support the university.
How many descendants have been identified from the 1838 sale?
Approximately 10,600 descendants from the 1838 sale have been identified by the Georgetown Memory Project.
What support will the donation provide?
The funds will support educational grants, health assessments, and racial healing initiatives among the descendants.
Has Georgetown University taken steps to reconcile with its historical ties to slavery?
Yes, in 2017, Georgetown and the Maryland Province of Jesuits issued a public apology to the descendants, renaming buildings associated with the slave sale, and has offered preferential admissions to descendants of slaves.
Key Features of Georgetown University’s Donation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Donation Amount | $10 million |
| Foundation Supported | Descendants Truth & Reconciliation Foundation |
| Total Initiative Amount | $1 billion |
| Descendants Identified | Approximately 10,600 |
| Year Founded | 1789 |
| Current Enrollment | Approximately 21,000 students |
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Additional Resources
- USA Today
- The New Yorker
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Georgetown University
- Google Search: Georgetown University slavery
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
