April Update from the President

Dear Emersonians,

For those of you in Boston, I hope you enjoyed a beautiful Patriots’ Day and the excitement of the 129th Boston Marathon. In our own way, we too are nearing the finish line as we approach the end of the semester.

The weeks leading up to finals and commencement traditionally involve both stress and anticipation, and this year is no exception. At Emerson and colleges across the country, we continue our important work of instruction, scholarship, practice, and performance while simultaneously facing new and unprecedented external pressures. We also acknowledge that this week marks one year since last spring’s protests and the profound challenges they surfaced for our community.

One of the most significant issues facing higher education today is the impact of new federal actions on international students. We are now aware of three Emerson students whose visas have been revoked for reasons that appear unrelated to campus protests. It is important for us to come together in support of our international students because their presence and perspectives add so much to our community. We will continue to strongly support them in pursuing their Emerson studies while we work strategically and deliberately to protect their status and rights. 

During this time of uncertainty, Emerson’s leadership remains vigilant in assessing federal actions that could impact our future. We are actively collaborating with partner organizations and maintaining regular communication with institutional peers throughout the region and the country. Additionally, we are taking steps to strengthen our financial position against potential pressures we may face in the weeks and months ahead. As we manage these immediate and evolving challenges, we remain focused on our five-year strategic plan and our unwavering commitment to the core values that drive our inclusive and caring culture. Our ability to overcome challenges and realize our shared vision for the future strongly relies on community collaboration.

That vision is grounded in expression, one of our core values. As a matter of tradition, policy, and principle, the College strongly supports the right of our community members to express their views. We continue to encourage our community members to openly convey their beliefs within the reasonable limits of our expression policies, which are designed to prevent harassment and intimidation while ensuring safe operations. The College approaches discipline thoughtfully, consistently, and only when necessary, striving to do so with fairness and respect for our community standards and the individuals involved. Freedom of expression is strongly supported at Emerson, and disciplinary action is taken only in response to violations of policies or laws, not due to the content of a person’s views or beliefs. 

One year ago, when protests occurred on campuses across the country, the Emerson campus experienced an encampment protest in Boylston Place Alley, where city jurisdiction applies. The encampment provoked strong emotions among participants and those affected, but also violated several city ordinances, including one that explicitly prohibits campsites in public rights-of-way. Despite extensive efforts to resolve these issues peacefully and without arrests, the interaction between protesters and city and state law enforcement became confrontational, resulting in injuries for both protesters and police. It was a heartbreaking situation that the College strongly sought to prevent.

This week of reflection and increased media coverage about last year’s encampment may be challenging for many in our community. We urge anyone feeling distressed to seek help through the Emerson Wellness Center and Student Care and Support for students, the Employee Assistance Program for faculty and staff, and the Healing and Advocacy Collective for everyone in need. The College leadership once again expresses gratitude to the staff and administrators who were present in the alley that evening and worked throughout the night and in the following weeks to support students from all backgrounds and perspectives.

Emersonians are resilient and compassionate, and these qualities will carry us through this week, this semester, and this era of uncertainty into a promising future. We are at our strongest when we unite against the threats facing our mission, our values, and higher education overall. With your support and partnership, Emerson will persevere and prevail, enabling us to achieve our vision of being a world-leading college for communication and the arts.

Sincerely,

Jay Bernhardt
President