2024 Theses Master's

Analyzing the Effectiveness of Top-Down Reparative Efforts: A Case Study on Georgetown University’s Racial Justice Initiatives

Geist, Amanda

This thesis delves into the complexities of addressing historical injustices, particularly within the context of Georgetown University's historical ties to slavery and the sale of enslaved individuals known as the GU272. The study examines Georgetown University's reconciliation efforts through a critical lens, focusing on the effectiveness of these initiatives from the perspective of descendants of the enslaved individuals sold by the university in 1838.

Through a comprehensive literature review, the thesis explores existing frameworks of transitional, restorative, and transformative justice within higher education institutions, highlighting the challenges and opportunities in addressing historical injustices. The findings reveal a progression in Georgetown University's racial justice initiatives, albeit with some misalignments with descendant expectations. While Georgetown's approach has primarily relied on transitional justice mechanisms, descendants advocate for a more holistic approach emphasizing values cultivation, historical sharing, and investment in future generations.