A Consequential Time for Our Country

June 24, 2022

Dear Lynx community,

This morning, our country received news that is unspeakable for some and affirming for others: Roe v. Wade, which has been the law of the land for nearly 50 years, has been overturned by the U.S. Supreme Court, removing the decades-old federal constitutional protection for abortions.

Since I assumed the role of Chancellor two years ago, I’ve had to communicate about significant national and international moments impacting society, including today. We’ve known for some time of the possibility of a Roe reversal and, for weeks, I have been agonizing over how to think, feel, and respond to this monumental moment transecting issues of gender, race, class, health, culture, faith, and politics.

I do not have all of the answers, but I felt a responsibility to connect with you all.

Regardless of our differing personal beliefs on this issue, I know this decision creates emotion for some. Strong feelings on either side of an issue can cause distress, so I first want to remind everyone of the many mental health and wellness support resources CU Denver has, both on campus and virtually.

Collectively, we will approach this moment with the same commitment to our values and goals as we have before—and with compassion for one another. Higher education institutions like CU Denver are those rare spaces where individuals can come together from across the social, cultural, and political spectrum to work collaboratively to advance society, democracy, and education for all.

Thank you for being there for each other and our university in these volatile times—and always. Please take care of yourselves.

Michelle Marks
Chancellor
@MarksMichelleA