Yesterday's Assault on Democracy

Sent: Jan. 7, 2021

Dear CU Denver Campus Community,

Like many of you, I watched with horror yesterday as a violent mob overtook the U.S. Capitol. What I saw, taking place in a region where I lived for most of my life, was an assault on our country and ordered liberty.

We cannot allow violence to win the day. These rioters will get too much attention for their illegal activities while millions of Americans seek change in our society through peaceful assembly, lawful protest, and engaged citizenry. CU Denver has an important role in creating opportunities for open and respectful discourse and providing engaged scholarship to inform social change. I ask all in our community to recommit themselves to what we do best—in our classrooms, both virtual and on campus, our research spaces, and meetings, including as we convene our strategic planning process. We must create environments of learning where we all can engage in civil discourse: exchanging and debating ideas, listening respectfully, giving and receiving constructive feedback without intimidation.

This is our imperative. Because the future of our democracy belongs to our students and their generation.

Michelle Marks
Chancellor
@MarksMichelleA