
Emerson switches to online classes until Thursday, boards up campus buildings
November 3, 2020
All in-person classes taking place between 6 p.m. Tuesday night and 10 p.m. Wednesday night will be held virtually as the college braces for potential civil unrest related to the 2020 presidential election, President M. Lee Pelton announced in an email to students Tuesday morning.
College buildings will be restricted to tap access beginning at 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday nights. Classes will be held in-person again on Thursday.
“On the morning of this historic election, uncertainty and anxiety in our community are widespread, just as they are across the nation,” Pelton wrote. “Although we hope that the presidential election and its aftermath will be peaceful, the College is putting into place safety measures and scheduling changes starting Tuesday November 3 at 6 p.m. ET through Wednesday November 4.”
The fitness center, 172 Tremont, and the library will close at 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday but will still open both days.
The college’s testing site at Tufts Medical Center will remain open during regular hours.
The announcement came hours after voting began across the country. Results are expected to begin coming in at 7 p.m. tonight.

Charlie McKenna is from Los Angeles, CA and currently serves as one of The Beacon's Content Managing Editors, where he oversees The Beacon's print and digital content, with his primary focus in the paper's News and Sports sections. He ensures each section remains on track in pitching, writing, and publishing stories. McKenna previously served as The Beacon's Deputy Express Editor and SGA correspondent.