Yale’s Response to Misinformation in Police Union Pamphlet

August 21, 2023

This weekend, the Yale Police Union, which is currently in contract negotiations with the university, handed out misleading pamphlets to Yale students as they moved into their residential colleges. These pamphlets included disturbing and inflammatory rhetoric about the safety of Yale’s campus and its home city of New Haven, aimed at creating fear among new students and their families.

Yale is committed to the safety and well-being of our students, faculty, staff, neighbors, and visitors, and we unequivocally condemn the irresponsible and reckless actions of those who chose to spread this inaccurate information. Indeed, our campus continues to see a decrease in crime, especially violent crimes. Robberies are down 30% compared to last year, and throughout the City of New Haven, robberies and burglaries are also down. The most reported crime on campus is the theft of laptops, cell phones, and motorized scooters left unattended and unsecured.

Move-in day has always been special and memorable for students and their families, many of whom are coming to Yale and New Haven for the first time. The university supports the right of union members to rally peacefully, but today’s leafleting both ran counter to the spirit of the day and detracted from the exemplary work performed by Yale Police officers, Public Safety team members, and their partners at the New Haven Police Department.

Ronnell A. Higgins
Associate Vice President for Public Safety and Community Engagement

Media Contact

Karen N. Peart: karen.peart@yale.edu, 203-980-2222