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Denver campus locking buildings as pro-Palestinian protest continues

Auraria Campus announced buildings would be locked Friday evening and access restricted while protesters occupy Tivoli Quad.

DENVER — The Auraria Campus announced buildings would be locked Friday evening and access restricted as pro-Palestinian protesters continue to occupy space in Tivoli Quad.

Beginning at 6 p.m., buildings on campus are restricted to critical personnel and operations with no campus ID badge access, and dorms are only be accessible through badge access.

Faculty and staff are advised to coordinate with the respective institutions for additional guidance.

"Your cooperation is greatly appreciated as our administration works to ensure the success of necessary campus security measures," the campus said in a statement posted online.

Last month, a pro-Palestine group organized an encampment on the Auraria Campus near downtown Denver. On Tuesday, Auraria Campus Police cited 12 protesters for trespassing, interference and disturbing the peace – arrests that come after campus police arrested 10 more protesters Monday for the same reasons.

Before Tuesday’s arrests, Auraria Campus spokesperson Devra Ashby said it appeared more than half the people arrested or ticketed since the protest started appear not to be students.

Demonstrators have organized on more than 100 campuses across the country protesting Israel's attacks on Gaza and demanding their schools' divestment from companies linked to Israel's military campaign.

CU Denver

The University of Colorado Denver said it is shifting to remote learning and work until further notice due to the "ongoing disruption caused by anti-war demonstrators."

All campus events are canceled through next week.

Anyone who needs to collect personal belongings and materials needed for remote learning and work were advised to collect them before 6 p.m. Friday.

Personnel who have not been designated as essential but need access to CU Denver buildings - Lawrence Street Center, Business School, CU Denver Building, Learning Commons, Student Commons - should contact downtown.access@ucdenver.edu between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Emergency access can be requested by contacting Auraria Campus Police at 303-556-5000. In addition, any 911 calls placed from desk phones on campus will be routed directly to Auraria Police.

The City Heights and Lynx Crossing dorms will remain open with enhanced security, and University Housing will be contacting residents and summer program participants directly with more details. The Lola & Rob Salazar Wellness Center will also remain open with additional security.

Anyone who visits campus is advised to be aware of their surroundings while entering and exiting buildings, and to not engage with demonstrators in any way that puts themselves or anyone else at risk.

Anyone who feels their safety is compromised is advised to contact Auraria Police or text 720-593-8477.

More information can be found on the university's website.

MSU Denver

Metropolitan State University of Denver said it will operate in a limited capacity with heightened security this weekend.

The university said it will provide more information on next week's operations ahead of normal business hours on Monday.

People are advised to take personal belongings and materials from the building and be prepared for the possibility of working remotely next week.

MSU Denver said anyone organizing or planning to attend scheduled on-campus events or meetings this weekend should consult with their department's senior leader on whether the event will proceed.

The university also advised anyone who feels their safety is compromised is advised to contact Auraria Police or text 720-593-8477.

More information can be found on the university's website.   

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