The Guardian view on the legacies of slavery: the response to Edinburgh’s report must go beyond academia | Editorial

Facing the past is essential for institutions and societies to act on new knowledge. The British campaign against slavery has inspired social movements, yet the brutality of chattel slavery in British colonies was long obscured. Recent research from the University of Edinburgh highlights its historical involvement in slavery and the slave trade. This is part of a broader, overdue reckoning by UK institutions with this troubling past. Glasgow University led this process among Scottish institutions, initiating a reparative justice program with the University of the West Indies in 2019. This initiative stemmed from evidence of significant donations from slave owners and traders. The article prompts readers to consider these issues and submit their opinions. Such engagement is vital for understanding and addressing historical injustices. This scholarly work contributes to a deeper understanding of slavery's lasting impact. Ultimately, confronting this history informs present-day actions and societal progress.