Chris Tillen
Staff Reporter
chris.tillen@yale.edu
Chris Tillen is the University Editor for the News. Previously, Chris covered the Law School and Student Life. Originally from Boston, Massachusetts, Chris is a junior in Morse majoring in Economics and Humanities.
Author Archive
CHRIS TILLEN
“Trailblazer, inspiring mentor and a generous friend and colleague”: remembering Gary Okihiro

A pioneer in the fields of Asian American studies and third world studies, Okihiro’s memory is characterized by his immense impact on both scholarship and the many students he taught over the years.

May 25, 2024

CHRIS TILLEN
Local 33 wins recognition, ratifies historic contract following 33 years of activism

Following official union recognition in January 2023, Local 33 — Yale’s graduate and professional student union — ratified its first contract with the University later that year in December, winning pay raises, expanded healthcare and long-term union recognition.

May 19, 2024

NORA MOSES, JOSIE REICH, MOLLY REINMANN & CHRIS TILLEN
After days of unrest, Jewish students express varied feelings about pro-Palestine campus protests

Some Jewish students expressed alarm at the protests calling on Yale to divest from military weapons manufacturers, which they view as antisemitic; others said they support the protests and have themselves been involved in the demonstrations.

April 24, 2024

CHRIS TILLEN
CANDIDATE PROFILE: Celene Bennett ’26 and Juan Borrego ’26

The goals of their platform are united under the theme of “Connecting Yale.”

April 15, 2024

CHRIS TILLEN
Beinecke exhibit reflects on Samuel F. B. Morse’s legacy, Yale and slavery 

The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library held a drop-in session with archival materials on key documents included in the book “Yale and Slavery: A History” and specific items related to Samuel F. B. Morse this week.

March 8, 2024

CHRIS TILLEN
Students organize phone-banking campaign to advocate for ceasefire

From Jan. 29 through Feb. 9, students spent seven days tabling in the Schwarzman Rotunda encouraging people to call Representative Rosa DeLauro and push her to support a ceasefire in Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza.

February 20, 2024

TRISTAN HERNANDEZ & CHRIS TILLEN
Yale Hospitality cuts number of Black History Month dinners from nine to four nights

Yale Hospitality wrote to the News that the change was made to reduce long lines in the dining halls, yet the News spoke with four students who voiced their disappointment in the decision.

February 9, 2024

CHRIS TILLEN
Students organize ‘Let’s Talk About Israel’ table

In the fall, students organized a “Let’s Talk About Israel” table on Cross Campus. This semester, the table has moved to the rotunda of the Schwarzman Center, with the goal of engaging Yalies in conversation about Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza against Hamas.

February 9, 2024

NORA MOSES & CHRIS TILLEN
Right-wing Israeli politician Simcha Rothman visits Shabtai, ignites protest 

On Wednesday, Jan. 24, the Jewish society Shabtai hosted Simcha Rothman, a controversial Israeli politician who is a member of Israel’s far-right religious zionist party and chair of the constitution, law and justice committee within the Knesset, Israel’s legislature. The event — which was not publicly advertised — was protested by Israeli Yale community members and New Haven residents.

January 29, 2024

CHRIS TILLEN
Ruby Bridges addresses a packed Woolsey Hall for 2024 MLK Commemoration

In the second consecutive year of in-person MLK commemorations since the COVID-19 pandemic, Ruby Bridges discussed her personal experiences, highlighting the need for educational equality and breaking harmful cycles of hate.

January 26, 2024

CHRIS TILLEN
Martin Luther King Jr. events bring programming to both Yale and New Haven

For the second consecutive year, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Planning Committee organized in-person programming throughout January, including a speaker event with Ruby Bridges.

January 24, 2024