The University of Colorado Boulder will hold a trio of large student- and faculty-hosted events on Jan. 25. Here is what the campus community needs to know before attending them.
CU Boulder Chancellor Phil DiStefano said the university has had a long and successful tradition of hosting a wide variety of events and speakers who cross a broad spectrum of political, social and philosophical viewpoints. Jan. 25 will be no different.
“We have proven that we can hold large events while respecting each other’s free-speech rights. I’m confident we can do it again peacefully,” DiStefano said. “I encourage our community to express itself with the dignity and pride reflected in our Colorado Creed. Let’s show everyone what it means to be a campus that values everyone’s point of view and engages in conversation with civility and respect.”
There will be a law-enforcement presence on campus to ensure public safety and to protect everyone’s First Amendment rights to free speech and peaceful assembly. If anyone sees suspicious activity that evening, they are encouraged to report it to a police officer or by calling 911.
Here are three events occurring on campus on Jan. 25 and what the campus community needs to know:
Buffs United
The first in a series of unity events to support the values of an inclusive campus and the Colorado Creed, Buffs United will be free and open to the public from 5:30 to 7 p.m. in the Old Main Chapel. It is hosted by a partnership of students, faculty and staff. Doors open at 5 p.m. and seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
An overflow room with a livestream feed will be located at Humanities 1B50. Musical performances, interactive art installations and speeches by the chancellor, community partners and others are among the featured activities.
Milo Yiannopoulos
Breitbart editor Milo Yiannopoulos will speak in the Math 100 auditorium in the Mathematics Building at 7 p.m. to a sold-out audience. Doors open at 6 p.m. His talk is sponsored by two CU Boulder student organizations—the campus chapters of the College Republicans and Turning Point USA. The event will be live-streamed on the Breitbart website.
Attendees can expect airport-like screening and security to be in place. You must have a ticket to gain admission, but it’s not a guarantee for entry. Early arrival is recommended. No bags, backpacks or purses of any size will be allowed. Food, drink, skateboards, face coverings, signs and weapons will also be prohibited.
Laverne Cox
Emmy-nominated actress Laverne Cox will speak at Macky Auditorium at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. Her appearance is being sponsored by the student-led Cultural Events and Distinguished Speakers boards. There will be a moderated question-and-answer session after Cox’s talk.
Attendees can expect screening and security. Macky’s venue rules prohibit large bags, backpacks, skateboards, signs, weapons, face coverings, food and drinks (with the exception of personal or factory-sealed water bottles). Ticketholders can carry small, clutch-like purses no larger than 4½ inches by 6½ inches.
A limited number of remaining tickets will be released on Tuesday, Jan. 24. Community tickets ($20) will be available online at 10:30 a.m. CU Boulder student tickets ($2) and faculty/staff tickets ($10) will be available at the first-floor event table in the University Memorial Center at 10:30 a.m. until all tickets have been sold. A valid Buff OneCard is required.
