President Jay Bernhardt on Wednesday reaffirmed Emerson’s “enduring commitment to building and sustaining an inclusive and caring community” in an email sent to the campus that also served as his announcement of the college’s new strategic plan.
Citing a “rapid era of change,” Bernhardt said that the college’s leadership team has been monitoring the impacts and implications of emerging executive orders and other communications from President Donald Trump’s administration as Emerson navigates the best ways to “protect the values and the work we are invested in while complying with legal requirements.”
The email specifically called out the Trump administration’s “Dear Colleague Letter,” which requires all educational institutions receiving federal funds to cease using race preferences and stereotypes—a direct shot at dismantling diversity, equity, and inclusion programs. The letter, dated Feb. 14, gives all institutions two weeks to comply.
“Emerson is, and must always be, an innovative and inclusive institution where everyone belongs, feels safe, and can be their authentic selves,” Bernhardt wrote. “As a meaningful example of this commitment, Emerson will continue to strongly support our trans and non-binary communities by maintaining our existing policies and protections consistent with Massachusetts law. We also will offer our ongoing support to our international students and everyone in our community who may be affected by changing policies and pressures.”
The statement comes 24 hours after The Beacon published a letter from performing arts faculty member P Carl outlining his frustrations with Emerson’s silence on the federal threats facing transgender community members on campus. The letter largely stemmed from Emerson’s adoption of its institutional neutrality policy and other expression and protest policies in August 2024.
The president also reported the Board of Trustees’ unanimous adoption of the college’s new strategic plan at the beginning of February, an achievement met after 15 months and nearly 5,000 points of community engagement. It wasn’t immediately clear what the plan entails; the Emerson community will be invited to further engage with it at a later date in March.
“The Board has complete confidence in President Bernhardt’s leadership and ability to execute this bold plan,” Eric Alexander, chairman of the board, wrote in a statement. “We look forward to working closely with the Emerson community as we educate and elevate artists, communicators, scholars, and professionals in the arts and communication for the betterment of humanity.”
The new strategic plan, titled “Extraordinary Emerson 2030,” will guide the college’s direction and development over the next five years. The plan was created in six phases over the course of two years, beginning in December 2023, “to elevate Emerson’s standing as a world-class educational institution in communication and the arts,” the board’s statement read.
“Emerson College is uniquely positioned to thrive at this moment in history because we champion the transformative power of the arts and communication to tell stories and create connections that advance society,” Bernhardt wrote. “We may be tested in the days ahead, but we will do everything in our power and authority to support our people, programs, and priorities.”
