LAST YEAR, GRADS THREW DOWN GOWNS, FLEW FLAGS

New graduates are often urged to “Be Bold!” Jay Bernhard’s message to this year’s grads might be interpreted as “Be Quiet!”

In stern commencement instructions sent to the 2025 graduates, his administration warns them not to protest or demonstrate or display their beliefs, stating that “violations may result in immediate removal from the event and significant repercussions."

The Prof. Umbridge–like threats are an attempt to avoid the free expressions on display at last year’s graduation, when several students waved Palestinian flags and others dumped their commencement gowns at the foot of President Bernhardt…

FORMER BRIGHT LIGHTS HEAD SUES COLLEGE ON FREE SPEECH

Emerson President Jay Bernhardt originally supported the screening of the film Israelism at the college’s Bright Lights program but changed his mind after the October 2023 Hamas attack, according to the lawsuit brought by Anna Feder, the former film series director.

The lawsuit, filed April 1, asserts that Feder’s political free speech rights were violated by Emerson when she was dismissed a few months after showing the film last year.

The suit argues that even though Emerson is a private college, the U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment and the Massachusetts Declaration of Rights protect free speech at the college…

A SOLITARY ACT OF DEFIANCE

John Gianvito walked into the Boylston Place alley alone, took out his chalk, and began inscribing messages of political courage on the walls of the alley where students were arrested one year ago.

Gianvito, a full-time professor in VMA and a distinguished filmmaker, carried out his solitary act of defiance April 1 in full knowledge that it would likely bring retaliation from the Emerson administration. He was not masked and did not hide.

“My hope with this simple action was to inspire others to be willing to take more risks, not only here at Emerson but out in the world,” Gianvito later wrote in explanation. Video of his solitary act and his statement can be seen here.

“To The Daring Belongs the Future,” Gianvito had written, a quote he considers a favorite. It is from Emma Goldman, a writer and activist in the early 20th century…