Information for Saturday, August 31

Dear Emerson Community,

As President Pelton referenced in his message this morning, a group sponsoring a “straight pride” parade has been granted a permit to march this Saturday, August 31. The group plans to start marching at 12:00 pm, beginning at Copley Square, traveling down Boylston Street, before turning left onto Tremont Street. The group plans to end the parade at City Hall Plaza between 1:00 and 2:00 pm.

The City of Boston has let us know they anticipate increased foot traffic on Boylston and Tremont street sidewalks. Boston Police plan to have barriers on both sides of the street, with no crossing from the Boylston Street T station (Green Line) to the campus or Tremont.

In anticipation of crowds, the college is implementing standard safety plans, as follows:

• Exterior building doors on College buildings, including residence halls and the Dining Hall, will remain locked from 7:00 am – 3:00 pm.

• Students, faculty, and staff will be able to “tap in” to enter.

• No guests (including parents and family members) will be allowed to enter during this period.

• The Dining Hall will be open normal hours; however, students should access the facility through the 25 Boylston Place entrance.

• The College Bookstore will be closed, but the Bookstore Annex will remain open, on a normal Saturday schedule.

• Members of the Dean of Campus Life staff will be on site, as well as Residence Hall staff.

• Emerson College Police Department officers will be stationed at points around campus.

• The “Boston Experience” orientation program scheduled to begin at 12:00 pm will be postponed. All other orientation events will take place as scheduled.

Community members should stay tuned to the college emergency update system (online, via email and/or via text) for any updates on the event as it unfolds on Saturday.

Please note Boston Common Garage will restrict entry between 10:00 am–4:00 pm. Patrons will be allowed to come and go on foot between that time and exits from the garage are permitted.

Staff from Intercultural Student Affairs and Religious and Spiritual Life will be hosting space to make posters, come together, and/or discuss for those who are interested in supporting the LGBTQ+ community, from 11:00 am-3:00 pm at 172 Tremont St, fourth floor.

We encourage all who might be attending the parade or traversing the downtown area during this time to pay close attention to surroundings and stay safe. Events of this type can at times become disruptive or even dangerous, so extreme caution is advised.

Sincerely,

Jim Hoppe                                                           Robert Smith
Vice President & Dean of Campus Life          Chief of Emerson College Police Department