Statement On Auraria Campus Demonstration: A Path Forward, April 30

Today, April 30, the executive leaders of the Auraria Campus met for more than an hour with the leaders of the Students for a Democratic Society (SDS) to listen to the group’s perspectives and try to achieve an amicable path forward. The meeting included two students from CU Denver, two students from MSU Denver, and Z Williams, as well as three executive leaders: 

• AHEC CEO Colleen Walker 
• CU Denver Chancellor Michelle Marks 
• MSU Denver President Janine Davidson 

This dialogue followed ongoing engagement between campus officials and SDS leaders over the last several weeks and months. 

CU Denver Chancellor Michelle Marks reiterated to the students that their list of demands largely sits outside of her purview, as many fall under the CU Board of Regents and President. For clarity, CU Denver does not have any study-abroad programs in Israel. 

The Auraria Campus executive leaders have continued to support community members’ free speech and peaceful assembly. They reiterated that the problem rests with camping, which is a violation of the Auraria Campus’ long-standing campus policy. The campus leaders indicated that if the tents are removed, they would provide sunshades to protesters and facilitate a peaceful protest space on campus. Campus leaders also asked many times what ideas the students have for ensuring the quad can be equitably used by other community members. 

SDS leaders indicated that they are engaging in “civil disobedience”; they recognize that they are in violation of the campus no-camping policy; and they have no intention of removing the tents until their demands are met. 

The Auraria Campus executive leaders asked SDS representatives to continue the dialogue to come up with creative ways to move forward.