DENVER — Monday is day five of pro-Palestine protests at the Auraria Campus in Denver, which is home to Community College of Denver, Metropolitan State University of Denver, and University of Colorado Denver. Protestors are calling on the universities to divest out of interests in Israel.
For many students, this is their last full week of classes before finals and graduation.
Ten minutes before a planned student walkout on Monday, CCD’s president sent students an email notifying them all in-person classes were canceled for the rest of the week because of safety issues, forcing students to go remote the week before graduation.
“Being the best student is being out here, being loud, disrupting classes,” CCD student Chase Cowne said. “I just got an email from my president saying classes are going online throughout the remainder of the week because of a threat to safety. This isn’t a threat to safety. People are out here listening to music. We’re making art.”
Cowne is getting ready to graduate from CCD. He attended Monday’s rally to show support while at the same time, working on his final assignments.
“I want to be out here with my fellow people. I want to be out here protesting. Doing finals right now just doesn’t seem right. My finals are not mass concern right now," Cowne said. "If I fail the final, it’s whatever. I’m alive. People across the world from me aren’t alive right now for no reason.”
Protestors have set up a homework tent at the Auraria Campus where students can study for finals.
“It’s history and you have to partake in history,” Cowne said. “People will know if you’re not part of history.”
The demonstration started Thursday with about 100 protesters on the Tivoli Quad. Some of them put up tents, which the Auraria Higher Education Center said in a statement violates campus policy. Campus administrators spoke with the demonstrators multiple times, and demonstrators didn't take down the tents. That was when "law enforcement stepped in," the statement says, resulting in dozens of arrests.
Cowne shared with 9NEWS the email he received from CCD President Dr. Marielena DeSanctis Monday:
Dear CCD Community,
In response to the concerns raised by many of our employees and students regarding safety, we have made the decision to transition to fully remote operations and learning starting from 5:00 pm today, Monday, April 29, 2024, through Sunday, May 5, 2024.
The safety and well-being of our community members has always been my top priority, and I understand the importance of creating an environment where everyone feels secure. This decision aligns with CCD's commitment to ensuring a safe and supportive learning and working environment for all.
During this period, all classes and operations will be conducted remotely. I encourage everyone to stay connected through our online platforms and utilize the resources available to support your continued learning and work responsibilities.
College employees will work together to provide flexibility to our students. I appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we navigate through these challenging times together. Please continue to monitor your emails and our official communication channels for any updates or further instructions.
Stay safe and take care of yourselves.
Sincerely,
Dr. Marielena DeSanctis
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