Auraria Campus Protest Update, May 13

On Monday, May 13, 2024, just after 4 p.m., more than a dozen protesters marched from the demonstration camp on the Tivoli Quad to the CU Denver Student Commons building on the Auraria Campus. Protesters entered the building, specifically the Bursar’s Office on the fifth floor, and accessed and occupied restricted space.

After several warnings to leave, the Auraria Campus was put on lockdown to allow for the safe evacuation of staff in the area and to assess the situation. Many of the protesters who entered the space left peacefully to continue their protest outside. Ten protesters remained and were issued a summons for charges including trespassing, interference, and disturbing the peace, and they were immediately released. The lockdown remained in place until 5:48 p.m.

We continue to balance the legal right to free speech with the need to keep our community safe and the campus focused on teaching and learning. This is the latest example of how Auraria Campus protester behavior has escalated in unacceptable ways.