Introduction
As we welcome new and returning Emersonians to the academic year, we affirm the College's commitment to our mission and our values of academic excellence, respect and equal treatment for all people, appreciation for diverse ideas, and critical and creative thinking.
To foster a successful community, the College must be able to uphold its academic mission, creating a safe environment that is supportive of the free exchange of ideas. Accordingly, we have worked to create opportunities and spaces for our community members to express themselves within the boundaries of our policies and the law, and with respect for others. Going forward, there will be clear opportunities to participate in refining our Emerson values, policies, and plans for the future.
For the safety of the community where we live, work, and study, it's important that interim policies and procedures be in effect immediately for academic year '24-'25. However, we intend to draw upon the intellect and creativity of Emersonians to finalize these policies and inform the development of future policies to best serve our community.
On this page, you'll find details about the interim policies and procedures now in effect, opportunities to engage in the development of policies that guide our campus community, and answers to questions you may have. We invite you to help ensure that Emerson is a welcoming and inclusive community known for the free exchange of ideas, robust debate, and mutual respect.
Resources
Institutional Neutrality and Mutual Respect
The Emerson College Board of Trustees adopted this policy on August 8, 2024 with the premise that the College must sustain an environment enabling freedom of inquiry, maintain independence from political pressures, and avoid actions that may have the unintended effect of silencing discourse and
debate, while also restating our commitment to having an open and inclusive campus.
Items of Note:
- Offers guidance for the campus community on fostering mutual respect
- Informed by recent moves by Harvard and others to promote free discourse and not restrict speech by silencing others
- Precludes the College from taking official positions on complex geopolitical issues or considering political pressure in allocating resources or selecting strategic partners
- Precludes Emerson employees, while performing official duties, from acting to suppress diverse viewpoints or share viewpoints that suggest they are speaking for the institution
Interim Policy for Authorized Campus Demonstrations
The College believes in the right to demonstrate and is committed to the protection of peaceful protest. This interim policy addresses the unique challenges we face with our urban campus, having no outdoor area for protests in a manner that does not disrupt campus operations and access, and that is not subject to legal oversight by the City of Boston.
Items of Note:
- Makes available indoor spaces for demonstration with prior registration
- Offers guidance for organizing a demonstration on nearby public property managed by the City of Boston
- Clarifies the spaces on campus where demonstrations are allowed and prohibited
- Details conduct that will not be tolerated on campus
Demonstrating in Boston Common
Boston Common is a public forum with a long history and tradition of public rallies, protests, and other expressive activities. To obtain a permit and ensure your event aligns with the park policies, please follow these links:
Student Code of Conduct
Students should be aware of modifications to the Student Code of Conduct effective this academic year.
Items of Note:
- Simplifies language and terminology in the conduct process to enhance understanding
- Removes use of whiteboards and postings on residence hall doors
- Expands poster policy with updated requirements and review periods
- Details benefits and privileges afforded to recognized student organizations and Interest groups
- Provides parameters and guidance on political statements by student organizations
- Includes demonstration registration
- Expands definition of vandalism to include unauthorized alteration or damage, which includes chalking or removing content that does not belong to you
- Further defines actions/violations that contribute to a hostile environment
Engagement: Process for Input on New Policies
Emerson College is committed to gathering community feedback, which will be used to help inform the future of these policies. More opportunities for feedback are forthcoming.
Common Questions
General:
Why are these policy changes necessary?
It's important to have these interim policies in place so that Emerson can maintain a successful and healthy learning environment as the semester begins and allow for our community members to participate in lawful demonstrations with a full understanding of the boundaries of the policies and expectations governing on-campus conduct.
Why wasn't the Emerson community involved in developing the changes to these policies and procedures?
To ensure clarity and a smooth start to the '24-'25 academic year, it was necessary to have these interim policies in place promptly. The Emerson community will have opportunities in the coming semester to offer feedback and inform the development of policies and procedures that best serve our unique community, promote campus safety, and fulfill our educational mission.
Demonstrations:
Aren't all forms of protest protected by the First Amendment?
As a private institution, Emerson has the right to time, place, and manner restrictions on speech. It is consistent with our community values to protect the freedom of all our people to live, work, and study in line with our core mission. We strive to do that in a content-neutral way that applies equally to all members of our community.
Is hate speech allowed by the First Amendment?
Hate speech is not welcome at Emerson College. As a private institution, we can and do set expectations for maintaining an inclusive environment, including a prohibition on discriminatory or harassing speech under our Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment & Sexual Violence.
What is civil disobedience?
Civil disobedience is the willful, unlawful, and peaceful violation of a law, regulation or policy perceived to be unjust. Civil disobedience is contrary to Emerson College policy and is not protected by the First Amendment.
Why can't we demonstrate in the Alley?
The College does not own the entirety of the Alley. There are many other right holders over this corridor. City and state authorities can respond to protests and demonstrations in the Alley without requiring agreement from the College. As a result, it is an inappropriate place for the College to permit protests, rallies, or large events. To ensure this rule is applied equally, the Alley won’t be used for any Emerson-related events.
Where can we demonstrate?
We recognize the need for spaces where our students can make their viewpoints heard without creating a safety risk and while respecting the rights of others to pursue their education and daily activities. To that end, we are providing indoor spaces where pre-registered demonstrations may occur in accordance with reasonable guidelines. Those spaces are noted in the Interim Emerson College Policy for Authorized Campus Demonstrations.
Is Emerson trying to control speech or shut down speech it doesn't agree with?
No. The policy applies to all demonstrations regardless of topic or position.
Will I be penalized for participating in a protest?
Students will not be subject to Student Conduct proceedings for their participation in demonstrations unless they do not adhere to the authorized demonstrations policy, violate other College policies, or engage in illegal activity.
What happens if I act outside the Authorized Campus Demonstration Policy?
Students found to have violated the policy may be subject to interim suspension while the Student Conduct process is underway.
What if I get arrested while participating in a demonstration?
We expect Emerson community members to adhere to all applicable laws and ordinances, including those at the city, state, and federal levels. We do not want any of our community members to be arrested, which is why we are making these expectations clear. Violation of the law may result in accountability measures related to the individual's standing at the College. The College will not offer financial assistance for bail, facilitate housing arrangements in connection with related legal issues, or seek the dismissal of charges. We will not interfere with the legal processes of city, state, or federal authorities as they address criminal cases.
What is the role of law enforcement in a demonstration?
During a demonstration, law enforcement's primary role is to ensure public safety, protect the rights of participants, and maintain order. They focus on facilitating peaceful protests while preventing violence, property damage, and unlawful activity. Fulfilling a promise made in the spring, the Emerson College Police Department also participated in de-escalation and anti-bias training as part of its ongoing commitment to community policing and public safety at Emerson.
Has Emerson staff been trained to manage on-campus demonstrations?
Led by the Division of Student Affairs, select staff members have been trained to respond to and provide support for incidents, events, and demonstrations with sensitivity to the rights of involved students and employees, while also being protective of the security of the Emerson community and our neighbors.
Last updated: August 23, 2024