Update: Campus demonstration and dialogue

April 30, 2024

Dear Roadrunners, 

I intend to remain transparent in keeping our community updated on the protest happening on the Tivoli Quad.  

First and foremost, our campus is safe and open for classes and normal operations. The demonstration remains confined to the open space in front of the Tivoli Student Union, and we continue to take all necessary precautions to ensure our campus remains safe and secure. 

Earlier today, the executive leaders of Auraria Campus institutions, including myself, met with leaders of Students for a Democratic Society, or SDS, the group leading the protest. Our goal was to once again engage in dialogue and to discuss campus safety and our ability to conduct classes and University business.  

Campus leaders again conveyed the message that we support their right to protest, but for the safety and security of the campus and to ensure unimpeded University operations, protesters need to comply with the campus’ longstanding camping ban. We again asked them to remove their tents so they could continue with a peaceful demonstration. We offered to provide sunshades onsite to help facilitate that peaceful protest. 

SDS leaders responded that they are engaging in “civil disobedience” and recognized they are violating the campus’ camping ban. They said they have no intention of removing tents until their demands are met. Though MSU Denver has not been presented with demands, I do understand many in our community have questions regarding the publicized calls for universities to divest from companies based in Israel and to cease study abroad programs to Israel.

These demands are rooted in incredibly complex political issues with nuanced perspectives on all sides.   

That said, MSU Denver and its foundation endowment have no significant investments in companies legally based in Israel. 

MSU Denver doesn’t directly operate study abroad programs to Israel, instead offering opportunities through third-party organizations to which we have no contractual obligations or financial arrangements. 

The health and safety of MSU Denver students, employees and visitors is our top priority and is always the first consideration when we’re making decisions. It’s also critical that MSU Denver maintains its ability to continue to fulfill the University’s academic mission as the state’s only modified open-access institution.   

MSU Denver strongly supports civil engagement and peaceable assembly, balanced with these priorities. The right to express perspectives and convictions should not encroach upon the ability of others to learn, work, or express their own beliefs.  

We continue to be open to good-faith dialogue that will lead to an amicable path forward. We will also continue to coordinate closely with our campus, city and state partners on how best to balance our free-speech values with our duty to keep campus safe and fulfill our academic mission without disruption. 

Please visit AHEC’s website for continued updates on the protests and campus operations.  

And remember, if you have safety concerns, contact the Auraria Police Department at 303-556-5000; text a tip to 720-593-TIPS (8477); or report instances of discrimination or harassment through the MSU Denver Office of Equal Opportunity. 

Sincerely,

Janine Davidson, Ph.D.
President