CAMBRIDGE (AP) — Harvard University President Lawrence Bacow is saying he regrets the controversial comments he made invoking the 13th Amendment in referring to the university's relationship with wealthy donors.
The Boston Globe reports Bacow was speaking Tuesday to Harvard alumni relations and fundraising staff when he referred to the 13th Amendment, which freed slaves in the United States, to say Harvard's individual schools could no longer own specific wealthy graduates.
The comment was criticized as "ignorant," "ridiculous" and "tone deaf."
Bacow sent an email Saturday to the university's alumni relations and development saying he regretted that the comments caused offense. He said that was not his intent.
Bacow said Harvard fundraising officials should help donors who may be interested in giving to schools where they had no prior affiliation.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
Harvard University President Sorry 13th Amendment Comment Offended Some
/ CBS Boston
CAMBRIDGE (AP) — Harvard University President Lawrence Bacow is saying he regrets the controversial comments he made invoking the 13th Amendment in referring to the university's relationship with wealthy donors.
The Boston Globe reports Bacow was speaking Tuesday to Harvard alumni relations and fundraising staff when he referred to the 13th Amendment, which freed slaves in the United States, to say Harvard's individual schools could no longer own specific wealthy graduates.
The comment was criticized as "ignorant," "ridiculous" and "tone deaf."
Bacow sent an email Saturday to the university's alumni relations and development saying he regretted that the comments caused offense. He said that was not his intent.
Bacow said Harvard fundraising officials should help donors who may be interested in giving to schools where they had no prior affiliation.
(© Copyright 2019 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
In:
Featured Local Savings
CBS News Boston
Loyola University begins demolition on 100-year-old Rogers Park building
Winning $1.5 million Lucky Day Lotto ticket sold in McHenry County
N.J. Gov. Mikie Sherrill gives update on state's response to major blizzard
Hunter College professor under fire for offensive comments caught on hot mic
Wayne State University names Richard Bierschbach as 14th president
Girard College alum's legacy inspiring next generation of explorers
Trespasser removed from Sacramento school after shouting profanities, throwing water
GOP candidate wins restraining order against Lt. Gov. Jones' committee