The Academy's statement regarding the Samuel G. Morton Cranial Collection:

The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University is deeply sorry for the role it has played in the Samuel G. Morton Cranial Collection. We strongly support the recommendations of the Morton Collection Committee and Penn Museum’s intention to return the remains of individuals in the collection to their descendants and communities of origin.

This collection originates at the Academy where Morton (1799-1851) served as president. Morton collected and studied human skulls – including those of Black Philadelphians – to support theories of white supremacy, which, like Penn Museum, the Academy vigorously rejects.

The Academy apologizes unequivocally for its historical involvement in the acquisition, possession and treatment of unethically acquired and held ancestors and remains utterly committed to building, through its mission, a more just, equitable and inclusive society.

Read the Penn Museum's statement here.