In the wake of pro-Palestinian protests and arrests on campus last spring, Emerson College recently updated its policies on campus demonstrations to ensure campus safety, according to the website. 

Emerson said that while it believes in the right to protest and the exchange of free ideas, the college is a private institution and not a public forum, so it is not subject to the First Amendment protections of the U.S. Constitution.

“Unlawful civil disobedience is not protected by the First Amendment and is contrary to Emerson College policy,” the website said. “Students engaged in demonstrations shall not be subject to the student conduct process for their participation in demonstrations unless they do not adhere to this policy, violate other college policies, or engage in illegal activity.” 

Additionally, the campus, located in downtown Boston, offers “no outdoor areas that are safe for campus demonstrations in a manner that does not disrupt campus operations and access and that is not subject to legal oversight by the City of Boston,” the website said. 

The college will continue to prohibit protests in and around the Boylston Place Alley and instead has provided Emerson-approved spaces for demonstrations. It also set out guidelines that students, faculty, and staff must follow or will otherwise be subjected to disciplinary action from the college.

Where are demonstrations allowed on and near campus?

The college listed several indoor campus spaces for quiet protests that must be pre-registered:

• The Lion’s Den
• The Loft
• 172 Tremont entrance lobby
• Little Building lobby, 
• Bill Bordy Auditorium and Theater
• Plofker-Brown Gymnasium
• Corridors within Paramount Center
• Other spaces may be considered on a case-by-case basis

These locations are only available to Emerson students, staff, faculty, alumni, or officially-recognized groups. Unaffiliated organizations and non-Emerson students are prohibited from organizing in these designated spaces. 

Other areas like theaters, rehearsal spaces, faculty or administrative offices, classrooms, conference rooms, the Iwasaki Library, residence halls, exercise and athletic training spaces, academic/performance areas cannot be used for demonstrations, the college said. In addition, demonstrations may not be held in leased or community properties including 20 Park Plaza and the State Transportation Building. 

Public properties surrounding the college, such as sidewalks and the Boston Common, “must be appropriately permitted through the City of Boston” and must not block access to campus buildings. The college linked a guide outlining the permitting process and special rules for the Boston Common.

How do you pre-register spaces for indoor demonstrations?

Requests to pre-register spaces for demonstrations must be submitted online using the official registration process at least seven calendar days in advance. The request should include all required details on the size, time, place, and manner of the demonstration. 

Indoor demonstrations must have a college-affiliated organizer—Emerson student, faculty or staff—who is the main point of contact for the pre-approval process. They will be responsible for adhering to the policy and any special conditions based upon the college. The event organizer may be required to meet with the vice president and dean of campus life or designee as part of the approval process.

Demonstrations on behalf of an official student organization or interest group are also required to have the organization’s participate in the pre-registration process.

“The college reserves the right to require additional conditions related to time, place, and manner especially when these are necessary to protect the wellbeing of our community and keep our community safe,” the website said. 

Additional guidelines for campus demonstrations

In addition to pre-approved spaces, the college also released guidelines for protests on campus: 

• Demonstrations cannot block corridors, entrances, or stairs to any building or area.
• The college prohibits the use of loud noise or noise devices like amplified sound or drums, as well as picket lines, tents or temporary structures. 
• Demonstrations cannot be held before 8 a.m. or after 7 p.m. or when the college is closed for break and holidays.
• Gatherings may not disrupt normal business operations, conferences, meetings, residential comfort, move-in or move-out week, commencement, admissions, tours, enrollment events, or classroom sessions.
• Demonstrations not allowed to obstruct, interfere with, intimidate or harass college personnel, other passersby, or tours/official college activities.
• Demonstrators must provide photo IDs or remove masks upon request for college personnel to verify their status as members of the Emerson community. 
• Demonstrators must disperse upon request by college personnel. Individuals who refuse to cooperate will be involuntary removed from college property and/or may be subject to disciplinary action.

Organizing or participating in unauthorized demonstrations will be considered a violation of college policy, the website said.

What happens if you violate the guidelines?

Students who violate the policy will face disciplinary action from the college. 

Employees who violate the guidelines or facilitate demonstrators who violate the policy will be subject to discipline, which includes termination, the website said.