Boston Reparations Task Force Considers Withholding Report

Members weigh delaying findings on discrimination to release a complete package of reparations research to the public.

Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Remote Work

Bold flat-color editorial illustration of a closed, wax-sealed cylinder on a stone plinth, evoking bureaucratic delay. — The Boston Reparations Task Force will delay the release of its research on racial discrimination to combine it with future slavery-related findings. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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The Boston Reparations Task Force signaled support for withholding a research report on discrimination against Black Bostonians following 1940. Members now aim to issue a new request for proposals to complete research on slavery that was originally assigned to Tufts University.

Why it matters

Task force members intend to combine multiple study findings into a singular release to provide the local community with a complete, comprehensive package of data. Officials noted that project timelines proved overly ambitious relative to the ordinance established four years ago.

The city paid $500,000 to two separate research teams to conduct reparation studies. The task force is now seeking new proposals to cover a 320-year history period that was never finished by the previous institution.

The players

Boston Reparations Task Force

This local government body was established by city ordinance to investigate and provide recommendations regarding reparations for Black residents.

Tufts University

This academic institution was previously contracted by the city to lead research into the history of slavery in Boston.

Northeastern University

This university produced the second research report detailing discrimination in the city after 1940.

Kerri Greenidge

This former researcher was placed on leave by Tufts University in October 2025 and no longer maintains a role at the institution.

The details

Although the task force did not hold a formal vote, a majority of members indicated they support holding back the Northeastern University report to synchronize its release with future findings. Boston officials confirmed the original Tufts University slavery study remains incomplete following the departure of researcher Kerri Greenidge.

1940 marked the beginning of the period covered by the Northeastern report.
December 2022 was when Tufts became aware of allegations against Kerri Greenidge.
The original city deadline for releasing reparations research was the end of 2023.
Kerri Greenidge was placed on leave by Tufts in October 2025.
The task force met to discuss the report status on October 29, 2026.

Market Landscape

The task force is restructuring its research strategy to fulfill the requirements of the Boston reparations study ordinance. This move marks a departure from the original project timeline and scope established when the initiative was first passed by the city.

The delay in research findings means that the public release of comprehensive data regarding historical discrimination will be postponed. Residents waiting for actionable study results will need to look for future updates as the city re-initiates the bidding process for researchers.

The takeaway

The task force shift highlights the complexity of managing large-scale, multi-year municipal research projects. Transparency regarding project milestones remains critical for maintaining public trust during extended government-led inquiries.