Statements from the President

My deepest sympathies go out tonight to those keeping weekly vigil who were viciously attacked in Boulder today. I hope that they and their loved ones feel the support of our community as they struggle to comprehend what has happened.

During this time of change in our nation, all of us are working to remain focused as we continue to dedicate ourselves to our students, research, work and the broader community.

I am deeply saddened by this incident, which is a tragedy for the CU community in general and UCCS in particular. The Colorado Springs Police Department is reporting that they believe this is an isolated incident and that there is no longer a safety threat on campus.

We at the University of Colorado are horrified and saddened by the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel that have sparked a war with the full breadth of consequences not yet known. Our hearts weigh heavy for all those who have been impacted by the conflict and the killing and wounding of so many.

The University of Colorado is unwavering in its commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment that embraces and celebrates individuals from all backgrounds.

The University of Colorado community offers our deepest condolences to our friends and colleagues at Michigan State University in light of the terrible tragedy that happened on their campus on Monday. The families and friends of those directly affected are foremost in our minds.

As I outlined in December, declines in the market, combined with a disconnect in information provided to administration, meant we had to delay, pause or stop accelerating elements of the plans across the campuses.

The University of Colorado community abhors the horrific and senseless violence that struck Colorado Springs in the early morning hours. Just as we grieve with our family, friends and neighbors, we also stand resolute that violence and hate will not prevail, including hate directed at the LGBTQ+ community.

The University of Colorado remains strongly committed to fostering a student body, faculty and staff that reflects the diversity of Colorado and makes our institution a better place.

CU’s position on DACA remains clear and consistent: Congress needs to act to find a permanent solution and pathway to citizenship. We remain steadfast in our support of CU’s Dreamers who study and work across our four campuses and in our communities.

The University of Colorado applauds and supports recent actions by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to strengthen the DACA program through the federal rule-making process.

I’m thrilled to share that the Board of Regents last week voted 8-0 to approve the system strategic plan, “Innovating for the Future.” This is great news for the University of Colorado, our students and the entire state.

Since the health and safety of our campus communities is among our top priorities, we have determined to require that all University of Colorado students, faculty and staff receive a COVID-19 vaccine before the start of fall semester 2021.

We arrived at this statement after connecting with Native American groups on all CU campuses, as well as with campus chief diversity officers, chancellors and system leadership. We will post it on university websites, as well as use it in selected publications and at events.