The history of American opium merchants smuggling opium into China and the subsequent impact on institutions like Ivy League colleges is a significant and often overlooked chapter in the broader narrative of global trade and exploitation. While projects examining the connections between universities and slavery have gained considerable attention, similar projects specifically focusing on the relationship between opium trade profits and universities are not as prominent. However, there are several reasons why such a project would be valuable and timely:

1. Historical Context: The opium trade, particularly in the 19th century, played a crucial role in the economic and political relationships between the United States, China, and Britain. American merchants, such as those from families like the Delanos (Franklin Delano Roosevelt's ancestors), were deeply involved in this trade. The wealth generated from the opium trade significantly contributed to the fortunes of these families.

2. Economic Impact on Institutions: Many American merchants who profited from the opium trade donated significant sums to educational institutions, including Ivy League colleges. These donations helped build campuses, endow professorships, and establish scholarships. Investigating these connections could uncover the extent to which the opium trade influenced the development of these universities.

3. Moral and Ethical Considerations: Just as with slavery, acknowledging and understanding the connections between the opium trade and universities is essential for addressing historical injustices. These projects could lead to broader discussions about the ethical responsibilities of institutions benefiting from such legacies.

4. Broader Implications for Higher Education: Uncovering the financial ties between the opium trade and universities could contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of how higher education institutions were built and funded. This knowledge could inform current discussions about the responsibilities of universities in addressing and rectifying historical wrongs.

5. Potential for Interdisciplinary Research: Such a project could involve historians, economists, sociologists, and scholars from various disciplines. It could also engage with contemporary discussions about drug trade, colonialism, and global economic exploitation.

While there is no widely recognized "Opium and University" project akin to the slavery and university projects, there have been some scholarly works and articles addressing these connections. Universities could initiate such projects by:

• Establishing dedicated research committees or task forces.
• Funding archival research to uncover historical documents and financial records.
• Collaborating with scholars who specialize in the history of the opium trade and its economic impact.
• Engaging with the public and descendant communities to create a dialogue about these historical ties.

Given the growing interest in uncovering and addressing historical injustices, it is possible that such projects might gain traction in the future, particularly if there is increased advocacy from within academic and public spheres.