As high school students across the U.S. embraced political activism, adults turned to the authorities to shield their sons and daughters from radical influences

Law enforcement took notice of these teen activists. The FBI—along with local police departments and military intelligence units—orchestrated surveillance campaigns that targeted high schoolers.

At the same time, the phenomenon of youth activism captured the public imagination. It echoed through congressional hearings; filled the pages of scholarly journals, magazines and books; and even reached living rooms during prime time through the Emmy Award-winning series “Room 222,” which depicted a fictional integrated high school.

But what fascinated some terrified others. For many white, middle- and upper-middle-class Americans, high school activism represented chaos. The FBI, on the other hand, symbolized order.