Emerson College issued a statement acknowledging an upcoming protest action on Friday by Boylston Students for Justice in Palestine and discouraged the group from using the 2 Boylston Place Alleyway. 

“The College has become aware of a plan organized by an unofficial student group to hold a rally tomorrow evening (Friday) in Boylston Place Alley,” it read. “As a reminder, College policy expressly prohibits demonstrations in this Alley, where the City has the legal authority to enforce its laws and ordinances.”

Co-signed by President Jay Bernhardt, Vice President for Student Affairs Christie Anglade, and ECPD Chief Rob Casagrande, the email references the college’s interim expression policies which prohibit demonstrations in the alley and outlines college-sanctioned times, places, and manners for demonstrations.

“Students who do not adhere to the authorized demonstration policy, violate other College policies, or engage in illegal activity are subject to adjudication through the Community Standards process, which could severely impact a student’s status at the College,” the statement read.

Boylston SJP made an Instagram post on Wednesday publicizing the protest on the anniversary of the “Popular University Encampment” staged in April of last year, which ended in the arrest of 118 protesters. The four-day encampment, created in solidarity with the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, was swept on April 25, 2024 by over 100 police officers. 

The upcoming rally aims to protest against the destruction of academic institutions in Gaza and the West Bank, according to the post.

In the email, the college encourages the protesters to relocate the rally to a public area permitted by the city, including Boston Common, to “help ensure safety and minimize the risk of severe disciplinary or legal consequences.”

“Out of care and concern for our community, we sincerely hope that our students will find ways to express their viewpoints in a manner and location that does not violate policies or disrupt operations,” the statement read. “The College’s goal is to promote a safe community and positive outcomes for all our students, especially as many anticipate graduation celebrations.”