Protesters pitch tents inside Tivoli during meeting with trustees

May 14, 2024

Dear Roadrunners, 

In the spirit of dialogue and transparency, members of our Board of Trustees met with MSU Denver’s student protesters today.  This was the latest in our efforts to find a peaceful path forward to resolve the encampment and related disruptions on campus.   

During today’s meeting, the protesters issued a new list of similar demands. The Trustees reiterated support for the right to peacefully demonstrate in accordance with the law and campus policies.  

While the meeting was happening, other protesters made unauthorized entry to the Tivoli and put up their tents indoors. The Trustees felt betrayed that a meeting held in good faith was met with more escalation and requested protesters immediately de-escalate.  

This mirrors the protesters’ escalation in actions we’ve seen nationwide and increasingly on our own campus in recent weeks. Multiple attempts to occupy parts of buildings across our campus, loud marches and property damage have intimidated and frightened staff and disrupted our operations. Students found to have violated the Code of Conduct may face appropriate disciplinary action.   

We will not allow free speech to devolve into discrimination or intimidation. Please report such incidents to the MSU Denver Office of Equal Opportunity or student conduct incidents through the Dean of Students Office. While we remain deeply committed to freedom of expression, it saddens me that this reminder needs to be issued due to events on our campus. 

Sincerely, 

Janine Davidson, Ph.D.
President, MSU Denver