Emerson College officials have issued a warning to students participating in a pro-Palestinian protest near the campus, stating that law enforcement intervention could be imminent. The protest, which commenced on Sunday night and has witnessed over 100 students gathering in Boylston Place Alley, has drawn the attention of Boston authorities.
The city’s concerns stem from the tents and activities associated with the protest, which they allege are obstructing pedestrian access to the alley, generating excessive noise, and creating safety hazards by blocking doors and fire hydrants. Emerson emphasizes that while it supports students’ right to protest, it strongly condemns the reported harassment of Jewish supporters of Israel by some protesters.
In response to these concerns, Boston police and fire officials reached out to Emerson on Wednesday, citing a city ordinance that prohibits tents in public rights-of-way. The authorities have directly informed Emerson’s leadership that certain actions by the protesters are in direct violation of these ordinances, which could result in imminent law enforcement action.
Emerson officials have clarified that the alley is not solely owned by the college and that the rules and ordinances being enforced are not set by the institution but by the city and the commonwealth. Additionally, the college has contracted Windwalker Security to staff the alley with security personnel to ensure safe and consistent access as required by law. These security personnel have been present at the encampment since Tuesday night.
Despite the potential for law enforcement intervention, Emerson Students for Justice in Palestine, the group organizing the encampment, continues to call for an immediate ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and the dropping of disciplinary action against students involved in the protest.
