Keeping our community safe while fostering ongoing dialogue

May 2, 2024

Dear Roadrunners, 

As antiwar demonstrations continue on college campuses nationwide, we’ve seen a wide range of tactics and behavior, including escalations of violence and property destruction, often from professional protesters.  

Fortunately, such an escalation has not occurred on the Auraria Campus. MSU Denver is safe and open for normal operations, as our campus leaders continue to have an open dialogue with protesters. The geopolitical issues at hand are complex, and so is the process for navigating a productive path forward. 

With that in mind, Auraria campus leaders are working with public safety, city and state officials to ensure that plans and practices are in place to keep you as safe as possible. We are increasing the number of campus buildings that require an ID badge for access. We will continue to monitor the protest around the clock and will alert you as information or conditions change.  

While University leaders continue to prioritize the safety of our community and our ability to carry on our educational mission, I want to acknowledge that I do not have all the answers. However, I can assure you that I’m committed to finding solutions collaboratively. My approach is rooted in transparency, integrity and continuous learning. Thanks to all the shared governance leaders, faculty members, staff members and students who have shared thoughts on paths forward. If you have feedback on how we can continue to foster productive dialogue with student protesters, please submit those through the President’s Idea Catcher. 

As many of you have recommended, we are planning a series of campus dialogue sessions on the complex set of issues surrounding these demonstrations. If you are interested in participating, please complete this form.    

In addition, I am reaching out to MSU Denver student leaders to better understand their perspectives today. I’m also meeting with members of MSU Denver’s student government (The Student Advocacy Council) and continuing ongoing discussions with faculty and staff experts who’ve provided valued counsel.  

We will continue to provide updates and, to make information on the Auraria campus demonstrations as accessible as possible, we have created a web page where you can find situational updates, frequently asked questions, links to resources and more. 

My hope is that we can join together in dialogue and in community and acknowledge our shared values even when we disagree. 

Feeling safe, embracing the freedom to express ourselves and advocating for global harmony are values we all share. Let’s figure out a way to foster those while sustaining safety and our academic mission to create and share knowledge.  

We are all Roadrunners.

Sincerely,

Janine Davidson, Ph.D.
President