# Understanding Campus Surveillance: The Case of Yale University
## Activism / StudentNation / May 20, 2024
### Documented Surveillance of Pro-Palestine Activism at Yale
Recent events at Yale University have shed light on the use of surveillance tactics to monitor student dissent, particularly those involved in pro-Palestine activism. Through documents obtained under Connecticut’s Freedom of Information Act, it has been revealed that Yale has implemented various measures to track the activities of pro-Palestine students, including administrator presence at rallies, police surveillance of social media accounts, and coordination between campus, local, and state police forces.
### Escalating Tactics and Responses
As tensions rise over divestment deadlock and escalating violence in Gaza, pro-Palestine students have escalated their tactics at Yale. Despite being initially non-disruptive, recent events, such as the arrest of 47 students at an encampment, have put the university under scrutiny. While not facing the mass resignations seen at other Ivy League institutions, Yale is actively trying to stay ahead of student actions by closely monitoring and coordinating responses.
### The Role of Administrative Figures
Administrators, particularly Pilar Montalvo, have played a significant role in managing student activities on campus. Montalvo, tasked with shutting down dissenting activities, has been a constant presence at rallies and tense interactions. Criticized for favoritism and lack of neutrality, Montalvo’s actions have raised concerns among pro-Palestine activists.
### Administrative Bureaucracy and Surveillance
The administrative bureaucracy at Yale, outnumbering its undergraduate student population, has been instrumental in quashing conversations about anti-Palestinian and anti-Muslim hate incidents on campus. Montalvo’s extensive involvement in monitoring pro-Palestine events and rallies, along with collaboration with various university centers and initiatives, indicates a systematic approach to curbing dissent.
### Confrontations and Safety Concerns
Reports of physical altercations and tense interactions involving administrators, police, and students have raised safety concerns on campus. Pro-Palestine organizers feel threatened by the presence of uniformed officers and fear escalation of tensions at rallies and protests. Incidents of violence during campus events have further highlighted the fraught relationship between students and law enforcement.
### Call for Accountability
Despite Yale’s stated commitment to open exchange and safety, the documented surveillance and response strategies point to a broader agenda of stifling dissent and limiting student activism. Pro-Palestine organizers stress the need for accountability, transparency, and protection of free speech rights on campus.
### Conclusion
The case of Yale University’s surveillance practices on pro-Palestine activism underscores the complexities of student activism, administrative control, and campus safety. As the narrative unfolds, the role of surveillance and monitoring in shaping student activism and responses to social justice issues remains a critical area for examination and reform.
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*Author: Theia Chatelle – Student at Yale University and former Puffin StudentNation Writing Fellow. Published in Haaretz, Teen Vogue, and more.*
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