Campus Climate
Between August 28 and November 10, Yale experienced a decrease in earned and social media hits related to the Hamas-Israel War and campus climate compared to the previous period (May 12 to August 27).
Several outlets reported that in November 2023, Yale made a $1 million distribution of donor money to Friends of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The Yale Endowment Justice Collective identified Yale’s grant in an Instagram post to Friends of the IDF based on tax filings. The grant was from Yale’s donor-advised fund program, in which donors choose the recipient organizations and timing of distributions to U.S.-based 501(c)(3) charities, while Yale reviews and approves them. More than 200 students and locals gathered on the New Haven Green to protest this distribution. Additionally, the Yale College Council Senate proposed a statement denouncing the distribution. While the proposal failed, a revised version was passed in November.
Between August 28 and November 10, Yale had 30.7K earned and social media mentions related to the Hamas-Israel War. In comparison, Harvard* had 192.4K mentions, UCLA* had 16.7K mentions, and Columbia* had 8K mentions. Articles published on the issue received 291 social media engagements in total.
Nearly 77.1% of Yale’s overall hits from this time occurred on X.
*These schools were chosen for comparison due to recent Hamas-Israel related events at their schools that resulted in a similar volume of coverage.
Select News Items on Campus Climate
Mainstream News
CT Mirror
At Yale, a muted response to Gaza ceasefire
The Palestine Chronicle
Yale University Donated $1M to ‘Friends of IDF’ Group, Says Student Coalition
Anadolu Agency
Yale University donates $1M to group supporting Israeli army: Student coalition
Conservative News
The College Fix
Yale student gov’t votes down resolution condemning donation to Israeli military nonprofit
Campus Reform
Former Israeli PM to debate Middle East peace at Yale Political Union
Jewish News
The Algemeiner
Pro-Hamas Activists Set to Hold Celebrations Across US on Oct. 7 Anniversary
Student News
Yale Daily News
Yale sent donor money to Israeli military backer. Why?
Yale Daily News
Hundreds protest donation linking Yale to Israeli military backer
Yale Daily News
Statement denouncing Yale donation to pro-Israel group fails at YCC
Yale Daily News
YCC Senate passes condemnation of Yale gift to Israeli military backer
Yale Daily News
Jewish community vigil marks two years since Oct. 7 attacks
Yale Daily News
Pro-Palestinian group hosts vigil mourning lives lost in Gaza
