Emerson College in Boston is facing a decrease in enrollment for the upcoming academic year due to a variety of factors, including recent anti-Israel protests on campus. The college president, Jay Bernhardt, mentioned in an internal message that the incoming freshman class for Fall 2024 is significantly smaller than expected. This decline in enrollment has been attributed to national trends away from smaller private institutions, delays in enrollment deposits, protests affecting campus tours and events, as well as negative press and social media coverage generated by the demonstrations.
As a result of the decreased revenue from lower enrollment numbers, the college is considering implementing layoffs and budget cuts. The tuition for the upcoming school year is listed at $55,200, with additional costs for room and board exceeding $20,000. In order to address the financial challenges, Emerson College plans to limit staff and faculty searches, review existing programs for potential savings, and eliminate some staff positions.
The anti-Israel protests that took place on campus earlier this year led to clashes with Boston police and multiple arrests. The demonstrations, which included an encampment set up by students supporting Palestinians, resulted in more than 100 arrests and minor injuries to police officers. Despite recognizing the activism and passion behind the protests, President Bernhardt acknowledged the impact on the college community.
However, the Student Government Association at Emerson College criticized the president’s response to the protests, citing insensitivity and a lack of empathy towards affected students. The SGA President, Nandan Nair, expressed concerns about the communication and support provided by the college administration in light of these events.
Emerson College has not issued a response to inquiries from Fox News Digital regarding the situation. The impact of the anti-Israel protests on enrollment and staffing at the liberal arts college highlights the challenges faced by institutions in managing campus activism and its consequences on academic operations.