Demonstration on the Auraria Campus: Frequently Asked Questions

While MSU Denver students and others with ties to the Auraria Campus are taking part in the demonstration, it includes many protesters who are part of a national campaign that is organizing on college campuses across the country. This is evident in the group’s tactics, behaviors and demands, which are nearly identical to those deployed on other campuses.

Yes. MSU Denver strongly supports freedom of expression and our community members’ right to peacefully protest.

No. A longstanding Auraria Campus policy prohibits camping on campus due to health and safety risks they pose. As encampments grow in an uncontrolled manner, those risks grow for everyone on campus, including the campers. It is difficult to control the size of encampments, and the Auraria Campus does not have public facilities available 24-7.  

Campus leaders have met several times with representatives from the Students for a Democratic Society, a group leading the demonstration. President Davidson and other MSU Denver leaders continue to reach out to students in hopes of continuing dialogue to find an amicable path forward. 

In light of AHEC’s decision to restrict Auraria Campus building access to critical personnel and operations, MSU Denver will operate in a limited capacity and under a heightened level of security 5/17 through 5/19. We will provide more information on next week’s operations ahead of normal business hours on Monday, 5/20.

Law enforcement and campus leaders are monitoring events around the clock and will not hesitate to take necessary action should the health and safety of students, employees and visitors be threatened in any way. We are immediately investigating and addressing any reports of intimidation, threats, violence or other concerns reported to police, MSU Denver’s Office of Equal Opportunity, Dean of Students Office or other channels. 

Auraria Campus executive leaders, including President Davidson, met with protesters and asked them to remove their encampment so they could continue with a peaceful demonstration. The leaders offered to provide sunshades and water. Protesters said they would not remove their encampment until their demands are met.

We have answered protestors’ questions and offered public information. Their demands largely do not apply to MSU Denver.

• President Davidson has previously issued a public statement reminding our community to practice tolerance and kindness and to be open to differing viewpoints.
• The University doesn’t directly operate study abroad programs to Israel.
• As a public University, MSU Denver has no holdings.
• The MSU Denver Foundation, a separate non-profit, does not currently hold any investments in individual companies.
• MSU Denver provided publicly available financial information related to the University’s investments and industry relationships.
• Second only to safety is our mission to prepare Coloradans for the modern workforce. We carefully consider workforce and grant partners based on their ability to provide students with fulfilling opportunities.
• President Davidson agreed to broker a meeting between MSU Denver student-protest leaders and the University’s Board of Trustees.