Princeton poll highlights surge in support for reparations, despite implementation doubts

By Stacy M. Brown
Contributing Writer

(NNPA Newswire) — A new study from Princeton University, in partnership with Liberation Ventures, offers a comprehensive look at public opinion on reparations in the United States. The 2024 Reparations Beliefs and Sentiments Poll shows that 36 percent of Americans support comprehensive reparations, which include cash payments, an apology, and investments in Black communities. An additional 19 percent of respondents are neutral on the issue, while 46 percent express opposition. According to a Gallup poll, the findings reflect a significant shift since 2002, when only 14 percent of respondents supported cash reparations.

The study comes as reparations gain momentum across the country, with 23 cities and states establishing commissions in the past five years to study or implement reparations policies. Support for reparations is particularly strong among younger Americans, with nearly half of those aged 18-35 expressing approval. Political leanings also play a role: 49 percent of Democrats and 23 percent of Independents said a candidate’s support for reparations would increase their likelihood of backing that candidate. In comparison, 62 percent of Republicans indicated it would negatively impact their view of a candidate.

Vice President Kamala Harris recently addressed reparations during a 45-minute interview with the National Association of Black Journalists and WHYY public radio, marking her most extensive comments on the issue since becoming vice president. Harris, who co-sponsored H.R. 40 as a senator – a bill to establish a commission to study reparations – emphasized the importance of acknowledging the long-term effects of slavery, redlining, and Jim Crow laws. “We just need to speak truth about history,” Harris told theGrio. “We need to speak truth about the generational impact of slavery, the generational impact of redlining, of Jim Crow laws.” While Harris advocated for reparations through legislative action, she did not rule out the possibility of executive action.

Harris linked the reparations issue to her broader economic plan, aimed at addressing systemic barriers such as student loan debt, medical debt, and racial bias in home appraisals, as well as Black maternal mortality. She emphasized the need for solutions addressing racial inequality’s historical and ongoing impacts.

Despite growing support for reparations, the poll highlights a significant gap between support and belief in the feasibility of federal reparations. While 36 percent of respondents support reparations, only 11 percent believe they will ever be implemented at the federal level. This “hope gap” suggests skepticism about whether political and public support will translate into actual policy change.

Princeton officials said the 2024 Reparations Beliefs and Sentiments Poll is the first comprehensive national survey on the topic and will be conducted regularly to track changes in public opinion over time. Researchers said, by establishing a baseline of public attitudes, “the poll will help measure how support for reparations evolves in the coming years and provide essential data for those working to address historical racial injustices.”

This article originally published in the October 7, 2024 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.