Statements from President Kennedy

I was pleased to engage with the CU Board of Regents about our efforts to address civil rights concerns at the joint meeting of the regents' Governance and University Affairs Committees.

The University of Colorado is joining our national higher education associations, as well as Colorado colleges and universities and peers nationally, to request the Department of Homeland Security to withdraw the July 6 Immigration and Customs Enforcement directive regarding international students.

Starting a leadership position during a moment as tumultuous as this is challenging. Assuming the job of chancellor of a premier urban public research university is particularly so. Fortunately, Michelle Marks, CU Denver’s new chancellor, is well-equipped to navigate this moment

We at the University of Colorado are pleased that our DACA students will be able to continue their educational journeys with us.

The decision today by the United States Supreme Court that civil rights law barring sex discrimination in the workplace applies to gay, lesbian and transgender workers affirms and aligns with the University of Colorado’s values.

It’s difficult to find the right words. The brutal death of George Floyd caught on video rendered me, like many of you, speechless and horrified. Other recent killings of African Americans compound feelings of shock and sadness that accumulate with each injustice.

Thank you to those who have shared their hopes and dreams with us. We recognize that the future is unknown and that plans change. Still, we welcome those who have informed CU of their plans for future gifts to become members of the CU Heritage Society, a prestigious group of supporters who engage in meaningful ways across our CU campuses.

We are all aware of the extremely challenging financial conditions COVID-19 brought about. Personnel costs are more than 70 percent of our expenditures.

I will contribute or forgo the $200,000 in contract payments. This is in addition to the 10% salary reduction to which my leadership team and I committed.

The ongoing disruption of COVID-19 is having seismic impacts on our society and our university. The CU community’s response leaves me impressed and appreciative, although we know we have a long way to go and challenging times ahead. Focusing on our priorities takes on greater significance and urgency.

We continue to urge Congress to provide an additional $47 billion in emergency funding to be split between students and campuses, higher education centers and institutions of higher education...

You have helped us protect the health and safety of our community while also continuing to deliver on our educational mission. There have been bumps in the road, yet we are faring well amid the upheaval. Our students remain our focus. Thank you for everything you are doing.

The environment brought about by COVID-19, with sudden and significant changes to teaching, learning, research, living and work, has challenged us all. It also has led to heightened levels of stress and anxiety, particularly for certain members of the University of Colorado community.

We have been actively engaged with University of Colorado campuses in our evolving plans to ensure the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff, which is our top priority.

CU joined with Colorado’s public and private colleges and universities in engaging our Congressional delegation to request emergency aid for our students and institutions.

As concerns about the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) grow, we have taken steps on each of our campuses and our system offices to ensure that the best resources and information are available.

CU's people are what make it an exceptional university, and we are proud and appreciative of your contribution to our collective success. Debbie and I wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2020.