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Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Emerson College’s only independent, student-run newspaper since 1947

The Berkeley Beacon

Merritt Hughes

Merritt Hughes, Opinion Co-Editor

Latest from Merritt Hughes
Illustration Rachel Choi & Kellyn Taylor

Letter: Looking back and moving forward

By Merritt Hughes, Opinion co-Editor / December 11, 2024
The Berkeley Beacon was the first student organization I joined when I stepped on campus in August 2023.
Emerson men's lacrosse players in Dave's Hot Chicken (Merritt Hughes / Beacon Staff)

Left to right: Jacob Goldberg (freshman), Jack Burns (senior), Ethan Corby (junior), Owen Lotti (junior), Brady Fish (freshman), Grant Wilson (senior), Quinn Gardiner (sophomore), Landon Segal (sophomore)

Winner winner, Dave’s Hot Chicken dinner: Emerson men’s lacrosse’s new NIL deal

By Merritt Hughes / December 11, 2024

For the second time in Emerson College’s history, student-athletes will have a Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deal.  Beginning in January, all...

Illustration Rachel Choi

An ode to Emerson Friendsgiving

By Merritt Hughes, Opinion Co-Editor / November 21, 2024
If this is your first fall at Emerson—whether you’re a freshman, transfer, or just weren’t here last November—you HAVE to go to the dining hall tonight from 4:30 to 9:00 p.m. for Emerson’s annual Friendsgiving.
Illustration Kellyn Taylor

Letter from the editors: living in Trump’s America

By Merritt Hughes and Ella Duggan / November 7, 2024
Donald Trump was elected the 47th president of the United States. What comes next?
Illustration Rachel Choi

Trump won: America and the future of journalism may have lost

By Merritt Hughes, Opinion co-Editor / November 7, 2024

My friend woke me up Wednesday at 5:45 a.m. I knew from her face that Kamala Harris lost the election before I could even check my phone for the time,...

The college illuminated Little Building with artwork and messages celebrating the graduating class of 2020 on Saturday. The display will run for two weeks.

Emerson College released its 2024 annual security report. We broke it down.

By Merritt Hughes, Opinion Co-Editor / October 23, 2024
Overall crime, including liquor law violations, sexual harassment cases, and violent acts towards women, increased at Emerson College’s Boston campus in 2023
Illustration Rachel Choi

The rise and fall of a Midwest Princess: Chappell Roan on setting boundaries

By Merritt Hughes, Opinion co-Editor / October 9, 2024
Chappell Roan’s rise to fame is one of the quickest I’ve seen in my 19 years of life.
The rally held in Boston Public Garden on Oct. 7 was hosted by IfNotNow, an American Jewish led organization which according to their website hopes to, “end U.S. support for Israel's apartheid system and demand equality, justice, and a thriving future for all Palestinians and Israelis" (Rian Nelson / Beacon Staff)

‘Every death is a universe destroyed:’ Oct. 7 memorial for Israeli and Palestinian lives lost

By Merritt Hughes and Sam Shipman / October 9, 2024
A crowd of keffiyehs and yamakas filled the Boston Public Garden Monday as part of a joint memorial service for the Israeli and Palestinian lives lost since Oct. 7 last year.
Across from the Boylston St. station was a memorial for the over 1,000 Israeli people killed on Oct. 7 by Hamas. This date marks a year since the beginning of this most recent upheaval in violence in the Gaza strip, resulting in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths (Rian Nelson / Beacon Staff)

Jewish community members hold memorial on Boston Common to mourn lives lost on Oct. 7

By Merritt Hughes and Hannah Nguyen / October 8, 2024
Dozens of Jewish community members and supporters gathered on the Boston Common Monday evening to honor those who died or were taken hostage last year on Oct. 7.
Around 70 protesters standing on Tremont St outside of The Wang Theatre on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.(Arthur Mansavage/ Beacon Staff)

Hillary Clinton’s book tour meets protesters in Boston

By Merritt Hughes, Opinion Co-Editor / September 29, 2024
Hillary Clinton appeared live at the Wang Theater in Boston on Friday evening as part of a traveling tour discussing her new book, “Something Lost, Something Gained: Reflections on Life, Love, & Liberty.”
Tim Riley, advisor of The Independent (Merritt Hughes / Beacon Staff)

[Photo] The Independent: the magazine for filmgoers, by filmgoers

By Andriani Maria Lamprinou, Beacon Correspondent / September 26, 2024

Tim Riley, advisor of The Independent (Merritt Hughes / Beacon Staff)

A poster saying "We Stand with Caleb, Matt, Palestine, Lebanon" lies on the ground before a makeshift memorial in the Boston Garden at a vigil held by the Muslim Justice League on September 25, 2024. The vigil honored the lives of Matt Nelson, who died after self-immolated in front of Boston's Israeli consulate, and Caleb Cannon, who is in serious condition after being shot during a pro-Palestine protest in Newton. (Rian Nelson / Beacon Staff)

Media portrayal matters: A journalist’s role in reporting right now

By Merritt Hughes, Opinion Co-Editor / September 25, 2024
Journalists have always had a lot of influence when it comes to current events. Especially in this digital age of online journalism—aka X, previously Twitter—how a reporter frames a story is vital. 
Illustration Rachel Choi

We are Emerson: Grappling with attending this college

By Merritt Hughes, Opinion Co-Editor / September 18, 2024
I want to be proud of the school I attend, but that feels impossible right now. I am not happy to be so intertwined with Emerson.
Trump and Harris faced off in a tense debate in Philadelphia on September 10, 2024 (Bryan Hecht / Beacon Staff).

As it happened: Harris and Trump had a tense first debate. Here’s what happened Tuesday.

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump are set to take the debate stage Tuesday night at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. 
President Bernhardt speaks out on Town Hall and first year at Emerson

President Bernhardt speaks out on Town Hall and first year at Emerson

By Merritt Hughes, Co-Opinion Editor / May 6, 2024

Early Monday morning, President Jay Bernhardt shared a “Letter to the Community” addressing the April 29 Town Hall and his first year at Emerson.  Bernhardt...

Photos of arrests of 118 protesters at Emerson College

Emerson Staff Union releases statement on April 25 arrests

By Merritt Hughes, Opinion / May 1, 2024

Following the arrest of 118 protesters on April 25, the Emerson Staff Union (SEIU888) condemned the violent police response, calling it “unacceptable.”  “Emerson...

Eric Alexander, chair of the Board of Trustees, yells “Back the fuck up” at Bryan Edouard, a student speaker at the town hall, on Monday, April 29, 2024. (Rian Nelson/Beacon Staff)

‘History will remember where you stand’: Students, faculty, staff testify at town hall regarding April 25 arrests

Members of the Emerson community gathered in the Semel Theater in the Tufte Building for a moderated town hall Monday morning to discuss the events...

Boston Police Officers gathered in the Massachusetts Transportation Building on Thursday, April 25. (Nick Peace for the Beacon)

DEVELOPING STORY: The latest on 2 Boylston Place ‘Popular University Encampment’

June 18 at 2:17 p.m. - College announces future faculty and staff layoffs due to enrollment decline it says is linked to campus protests Emerson...

Photo Merritt Hughes

Being a lesbian is easier in Boston

By Merritt Hughes, Co-Opinion Editor / April 17, 2024

Opinion editors are not responsible for agreeing or disagreeing with their writers but rather elevate each individual’s specific voice.  I had a...

He ran the Boston Marathon. His wife found a unique way to support him.

He ran the Boston Marathon. His wife found a unique way to support him.

By Merritt Hughes, Co-Opinion Editor / April 17, 2024

While thousands of runners ran the Boston Marathon on Monday, devoted wife Suzzanne Bright competed in her own race through the city’s side roads and...

Sophomores Ashley Bradshaw, left, and Kayla Nuehlen, middle, interview Elle Baray-Forgét, right, for their podcast, "ShutUp!" on Sunday, April 7, 2024. (Naia Driscoll/Beacon Correspondent)

Sophmore duo launches weekly podcast to talk about topics they ‘can’t shut up about’

By Merritt Hughes / April 10, 2024

Whether it’s talking about their time abroad at Emerson’s Kasteel Well or obsession with the TV show “NCIS,” Ashley Bradshaw and Kayla Nuehlen...

Illustration Kellyn Taylor

Class of 2028, this one’s for you

By Merritt Hughes and Ella Duggan / April 10, 2024

Opinion editors are not responsible for agreeing or disagreeing with their writers but rather elevate each individual’s specific voice.  We’re...

Illustration Kellyn Taylor

From dead moms to Dan Schneider: Hollywood’s exploitation of child actors

By Merritt Hughes, Co-Opinion Editor / April 10, 2024

Opinion editors are not responsible for agreeing or disagreeing with their writers but rather elevate each individual’s specific voice.  I read Jennette...

Why college students should buy plants

Why college students should buy plants

By Merritt Hughes, Co-Opinion Editor / April 1, 2024
College can be a rough transition period for a lot of new freshmen—myself included—especially if you are a plane ride away from home.
Sophomore guard Bri Frongillo shoots over her defender as the Lions take on the Lesley Lynx on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2023.

Emerson Women’s Basketball Bri Frongillo named to All-Conference First Team

By Merritt Hughes, Co-Opinion Editor / March 6, 2024

Sophomore Bri Frongillo, who sports #2 for Emerson Women's Basketball team, earned the #1 postseason honor this past week when she was named to the NEWMAC...

Illustration Rachel Choi

A Southern lesbian’s search for representation inspired by Jade West

By Merritt Hughes, Co-Opinion Editor / February 28, 2024

Opinion editors are not responsible for agreeing or disagreeing with their writers but rather elevate each individual’s specific voice. Back when...

Illustration Kellyn Taylor

Guide to a successful single Valentine’s Day

By Merritt Hughes, Co-Opinion Editor / February 7, 2024

Opinion editors are not responsible for agreeing or disagreeing with their writers but rather elevate each individual’s specific voice. We’re a...

Illustration Rachel Choi

New Year’s resolutions suck

By Merritt Hughes, Co-Opinion Editor / January 24, 2024

Opinion editors are not responsible for agreeing or disagreeing with their writers but rather elevate each individual’s specific voice. It’s the...

Courtesy Merritt Hughes

Christmas on a budget

By Merritt Hughes / December 13, 2023

Christmas and the holiday season can be one of the happiest times of the year. Well, Christmas Day can be.  The weeks between Black Friday and Dec....

Senior midfielder Simone Barragan-Shaw (16) scores the game-winning goal against Coast Guard in the 2023 NEWMAC Semifinals.

Senior spotlights: Women’s soccer seniors were “iconic” and shaped the program

By Merritt Hughes, Staff Writer / November 15, 2023

This year’s women’s soccer graduating seniors have it all: All-Conference players, bass-shredders, and karaoke stars. They made it to the quarterfinals...

Illustration by Kellyn Taylor.

Growing up with the Gilmore Girls

By Merritt Hughes, Beacon Staff / November 15, 2023

I am younger than Amy Sherman-Palladino’s show “Gilmore Girls,” which first premiered in October 2000. I did not grow up watching it on The WB (now...

Protesters chant against Kamala Harris outside the Ritz-Carlton hotel during the vice president's visit to Boston on Thursday, Nov. 9, 2023. (Ashlyn Wang/Beacon Staff)

Inside and Outside the Ritz Carlton: Kamala Harris’ Boston Visit

By Merritt Hughes and Sam Lawrence / November 14, 2023

Vice President Kamala Harris visited Boston on Nov. 9 to speak at Pipefitters Local 537, highlighting the importance of apprenticeship programs and union...

Illustration: Rachel Choi

Picking Up After College Kids: Environmental Sustainability Efforts at Emerson

By Merritt Hughes / November 8, 2023

From move-in to move-out, the average college student is going to produce over 600 pounds of waste and trash.  At Emerson College, we have cut that...

Women's basketball guard Bri Frongillo transferred to Emerson from Div. I Bryant University.

Women’s basketball D1 transfer puts the ‘student’ back in student-athlete

By Merritt Hughes, Staff Writer / November 8, 2023

While it is becoming more common for Division 1 athletes to transfer between universities, it is unusual for a D1 athlete to transfer to a D3 school like...

The Emerson women's volleyball team celebrating senior captain Caroliine Davis's 1,000th career dig. (Photo courtesy of Ben Read)

Caroline Davis, Senior Volleyball Captain, joins 1,000 dig/kill & 2,500 assists club

By Merritt Hughes, Staff Writer / October 26, 2023

Imagine doing something you love by helping a “team,” whether that's your family, friends, or an actual sports team. This could be anything, from playing...

Illustration by Merritt Hughes.

Your ‘Roman Empire’ is Not Mine

By Merritt Hughes, Beacon Correspondent / October 18, 2023

Princess Diana. The Eras Tour. The War of 1812. Big Trucks. These are all things to think about that are not the Roman Empire—so why do men apparently...

Emerson men's soccer midfielder Evan Lee plays against Suffolk on Sept. 9.

Men’s soccer team looks forward after 3-0 loss to Babson

By Merritt Hughes / October 4, 2023

Rotch Field was the scene for a hard-fought Saturday game between the No. 18 Babson Beavers and the unranked Emerson Lions.  The Lions ultimately struggled...

The Emerson women's volleyball team after their 3-0 win over UMass-Dartmouth.

Women’s volleyball wins 7th annual “You Can Play” Game

By Merritt Hughes / September 28, 2023

The Emerson women’s volleyball team beat UMass Dartmouth in a colorful three sets on Saturday, Sept. 23, in their annual “You Can Play” game. LGBTQ+...

Illustration by Kellyn Taylor

‘Y’all means all’: a Southern queer kid’s take on Dylan Mulvaney’s talk

By Merritt Hughes, Beacon Correspondent / September 20, 2023

After a 27-hour-car ride from Louisiana, my first steps onto Emerson’s campus three weeks ago were in a rush to meet my roommate for the first time....