Philadelphia apologizes for experiments performed on mostly Black inmates

PHILADELPHIA - The city of Philadelphia has issued an apology Thursday for the unethical medical experiments performed on mostly Black inmates at the Holmesburg Prison from the 1950 s to the 1970s.

The move comes after community activists and families of some of the inmates raised the need for a formal apology. It follows a series of apologies from various U.S. cities over historically racist policies or wrongdoing in the wake of the nationwide racial reckoning after the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer.

The University of Pennsylvania researcher Dr. Albert Kligman allowed the dermatological, biochemical and pharmaceutical experiments that exposed about 300 inmates to viruses, fungus, asbestos and chemical agents, including dioxin, a component of Agent Orange. The city said that the vast majority of Kligman's experiments were performed on Black men, many of whom were awaiting trial and trying to save money for bail, and many of whom were illiterate.

Kligman died in 2010 of cancer, who would pioneer the acne and wrinkle treatment Retin-A. Many of the former prisoners would have lifelong scars and health issues from the experiments. A group of inmates filed a lawsuit against the university and Kligman in 2000, which was eventually thrown out because of a statute of limitations.

Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney said in the apology that the experiments exploited a vulnerable population and that medical racism has extended for generations.

Without excuses, we formally and officially extend a sincere apology to those who were subject to this inhumane and horrific abuse. Kenney wrote, "We are sorry that it took too long to hear these words."

The University of Pennsylvania issued a formal apology last year and took Kligman's name off some honorifics like an annual lecture series and professorship. The university also directed research funds to fellows focused on dermatological issues in people of color.