The college’s president created the taskforce in December after conducting an investigation into Professor Trotter’s actions around the turn of the 20th century, according to an announcement on the college website. Trotter taught at the private, Pennsylvania college for more than 30 years.
“No matter the educational intentions or that these practices may have been commonplace at the time they occurred, these remains should have been treated with dignity and respect and should never have been removed from their burial site,” President Smith stated.
“Considering these actions today, with our values, convictions, and compassion, the act of collecting any Native American remains is unethical and inexcusable. I deeply regret these actions, and on behalf of Swarthmore College, I apologize for the harm they have caused,” she stated.
The Inquirer characterized Trotter’s work as legal but likely unethical: