Eyes Everywhere Poll Handout Eyes Everywhere Poll
Civics & Government | Surveillance vs. Liberty
Name:
Date:
PART 1
Initial Perspective (5 min)
"Is it ever okay for the government to spy on political activist groups?"
YES
NO
Briefly explain your reasoning:
PART 2
Observation Log
While watching the FBI surveillance section (8:00-8:28), list three tactics law enforcement used to monitor the Nation of Islam:
1
2
3
According to the video, how close did the surveillance get to the leadership?
Final Debate
Re-Evaluating the Question
Has your opinion shifted?
After reviewing the Malcolm X dossier and viewing the footage, reconsider the role of government surveillance.
I changed my mind
I feel the same
Which specific evidence from today's case study most influenced your final stance?
Malcolm X Dossier Activity Case File: 100-399321 (MALCOLM X)
CONFIDENTIAL / REDACTED
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE
DATE: 03/12/1964
OFFICE: NEW YORK
Malcolm X Dossier
Primary Source Evidence: Counterintelligence Program (COINTELPRO)
Instructions: Examine the following excerpts from FBI surveillance files. These documents represent redacted versions of actual memos used to track Malcolm X and the Nation of Islam (NOI). Use these sources to complete the analysis activity on the following page.
Document A: Informant Report REDACTED
Subject: Infiltration of NOI Leadership
Informant NY-1294-S reports that MALCOLM K. LITTLE (alias Malcolm X) has become increasingly influential within the . Surveillance reveals that X's personal security detail now includes at least one individual who is currently providing regular intelligence to this office.
X's rhetoric continues to focus on "Self-Defense" and "Black Nationalism." NY-1294-S notes that while no specific illegal acts were planned during the 02/15 meeting, the effect of his speeches on the youth population in Harlem poses a potential to domestic tranquility.
Document B: internal memo REDACTED
To: Director, FBI
The purpose of this new counterintelligence endeavor is to expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit, or otherwise neutralize the activities of Black Nationalist organizations. Specifically, we must prevent the rise of a "messiah" who could unify and electrify the militant Black Nationalist movement.
MALCOLM X is a potential candidate for this role. His break from ELIJA MUHAMMAD provides a unique opportunity for . We should consider planting rumors regarding Muhammad’s personal life to accelerate the divide and ensure internal friction within the NOI leadership structure.
Document C: Surveillance Log REDACTED
TIME METHOD SUMMARY OF ACTIVITY 0945 Technical (Bug) Phone conversation intercepted between Subject and OAAU members. Discussed international travel. 1430 Physical Tail Subject entered restaurant on 125th St. followed at a distance of 50 ft. 1900 Wiretap CRITICAL: Subject expressing concern regarding threat to life from . Informant confirms internal split.
Dossier Analysis
1. JUSTIFICATION: Based on Document B, what was the primary goal of the FBI's COINTELPRO operations against Black Nationalist leaders?
2. TACTICS: List three specific methods of surveillance or "neutralization" mentioned across all three documents.
3. IMPACT: How did the FBI use the "split" between Malcolm X and Elijah Muhammad to their advantage? Why would "internal friction" be a desired outcome for the government?
4. CIVIC DEBATE: Do these documents change your answer to the warm-up question: "Is it ever okay for the government to spy on political groups?" Why or why not?
Eyes on the Movement Presentation Slides Classified: Grade 11-12 Civics
Eyes on the
Movement
National Security vs. Civil Liberties in the Civil Rights Era
FBI Case Study: Malcolm X
01
Warm-up Poll
"Is it ever okay for the government to spy on political activist groups?"
Yes
No
Record your initial vote and reasoning on your handout.
Malcolm X:
The Target
Spokesman for the Nation of Islam (NOI).
Advocated for Black Nationalism and self-defense.
Questioned the effectiveness of non-violent integration.
Surveillance Subject
Case File: MALCOLM LITTLE
Primary Source: Video Analysis
Malcolm X and the Rise of Black Power
FOCUS: 8:00 - 8:28
Embedded media
Watch for the methods the FBI used to infiltrate the NOI.
Notice how close the agents got to the leadership.
02
The COINTELPRO Mission
Secret Memo Excerpt
"Prevent the rise of a messiah who could unify and electrify the militant Black Nationalist movement."
Expose
Publicly reveal private details to cause scandal.
Disrupt
Cause friction between leaders to stop progress.
Neutralize
Make the movement ineffective or nonexistent.
Inside the Dossier
Analysis Phase: 20 Minutes
Observe
Read through Documents A, B, and C in your Case Study packet.
Connect
How do the tactics in the documents explain the "split" we saw in the video?
Debate
Were these actions necessary for national security, or a violation of rights?
The Verdict
"Now that you've seen the methods and the impact... is it ever okay for the government to spy on political activist groups?"
Yes No
Be prepared to defend your stance using evidence from the dossier.
Eyes on the Movement Teacher Guide Eyes on the Movement
Facilitation Guide
Subject
Civics / Government
Duration
50-60 Minutes
Learning Objectives
• Analyze the tension between national security, government surveillance, and the protection of civil liberties.
• Evaluate primary source FBI documents to identify tactics used by COINTELPRO.
• Assess the impact of surveillance on the leadership and unity of the Civil Rights movement.
Key Vocabulary
COINTELPRO: FBI's Counterintelligence Program (1956–1971).
Civil Liberties: Individual rights protected from government interference.
Surveillance: Close observation of a person or group, especially by police.
Redaction: Censoring or obscuring text for legal or security purposes.
Lesson Roadmap
05
Minutes
Initial Poll & Hook
Display Slide 2 . Distribute the Eyes Everywhere Poll Handout . Students record their initial vote on government spying. Ask a few students to share their reasoning without debating yet.
15
Minutes
Guided Viewing
Play the Crash Course video. Use the Focus timestamps to guide discussion:
8:00–8:28: Highlight the specific mention of bugs, wiretaps, and bodyguards.9:00: Discuss the "split" between Malcolm X and the NOI. Ask: "Is it possible the FBI played a role in this tension?"
25
Minutes
The Dossier Case Study
Students work in pairs to analyze the Malcolm X Dossier Activity . Encourage them to look for the "Neutralize" strategy in Document B. Circulate and ask: "What is the difference between monitoring for a crime and monitoring to 'neutralize' a leader?"
10
Minutes
The Final Vote
Return to Slide 7 . Students cast their final vote. Conduct a brief classroom debate. Focus on whether the FBI's actions were "legal" versus "justified" for national security.
Facilitation Notes
Common Misconception:
Students often think the FBI only monitored Malcolm X because they suspected him of a specific crime. Use Document B to show that the goal was often ideological—preventing the rise of a "messiah"—rather than strictly criminal investigation.
