Update Regarding Protest Policy

Dear DU community,  

As we prepare for a successful and engaging academic year, we must acknowledge the difficulties on our campus last spring in light of the challenges facing the world around us. To help provide a safe, productive, and supportive educational environment that advances our mission and values, DU will no longer permit camping for protest purposes on our campus. This decision is consistent with DU’s interim demonstrations policy. Violations of this policy by students or employees will result in immediate disciplinary actions. 

Protecting and advancing free speech is a cornerstone of higher education, and the University's leadership team and I fervently support free expression. However, we must always keep the safety of our students and campus community a top priority while also allowing our students to continue their academics without unreasonable disruption. 

We reached this decision after witnessing what played out on our campus last spring. We heard numerous concerns from individuals who participated in the encampment, who protested against it, and who were not engaged but were impacted by its occurrence. The situation resulted in dozens of complaints filed about harassment and discrimination from individuals across campus; approximate costs of $400K from overtime, property destruction, and equipment; disruptions of academic operations; and most concerningly, serious safety concerns for our campus community members. It also served to create hostility and division within our community that is damaging to all we strive to achieve. 

Our institutional values remain deeply rooted in support of free expression and thought pluralism, and students remain highly encouraged to make their stances known and have their voices heard consistent with university policies and in a manner that embraces civil discourse.   

Throughout the fall and academic year, we will share more updates and information related to free expression, including events and opportunities I encourage you to attend. Thank you for joining me in continuing to champion free expression, civil discourse, and thought pluralism while also working to maintain safety and advance the mission of our institution.   

Sincerely,

Jeremy Haefner    

Chancellor   

University of Denver