March 24 at 5:26 p.m. – College requests charges be dropped

Bernhardt stated that Emerson will not pursue charges against the students who were arrested during the March 22 protest in an email sent to the Emerson community. Bernhardt said the college will request the Boston District Attorney to dismiss all criminal charges. 

Additionally, the email said the college is engaging with an external, independent reviewer to oversee administrative hearings and Student Conduct Process to ensure impartiality and transparency. The email continued that Emerson’s leadership team is ready to engage in continued dialogue and active listening with students, staff and faculty in the coming days and months to seek and “to foster an environment where every member of our Emerson community will feel heard and can contribute to our collective growth.”