CU and the Boulder community can expect to see greater measures taken to curtail the 4/20 gathering than in past years as a university news release announced today that unauthorized visitors will not be allowed on the CU campus on April 20.
According to the news release, only students, faculty and staff will be permitted on campus April 20 due to the disruption caused by the 4/20 gathering. Classes and normal campus activity will go on as usual, however, a series of security measures will be enforced through efforts by the CU Police Department.
Student smoke in celebration of 2011's 4/20 on Norlin Quad. CU administration announced that this year no visitors will be allowed on campus on 4/20. (CU Independent/Kelly Kaoudis)
“The gathering disrupts teaching and research right in the heart of the campus,” Chancellor Philip P. DiStefano said in the news release. “The size of the crowd has become unmanageable, and limits our faculty, staff and students from getting to class, entering buildings and doing their basic work. It needs to end.”
Police will be stationed at all major campus entrances checking that students, faculty and staff have their Buff OneCard IDs, according to the press release. Trespassing fees will be imposed on individuals who are not affiliates of the university; those trespassing without ID may face punishment of up to six months in jail and a $750 fine.
A large presence of police, from CUPD, regional agencies and Colorado State Patrol, will be monitoring roads and local highways for drivers under the influence.
District Attorney Stan Garnett is working with CUPD for the enforcement of 4/20 security measures and his office will be prosecuting individuals who receive tickets.
“As always, the District Attorney’s Office will work to support the efforts of the CU Police Department,” Garnett said in the news release.
Signage will clearly display the closing off of all Norlin Quad lawn areas to all people. Those found smoking marijuana may face a ticket and a $100 fine. Those with medical marijuana cards who are caught may have their cards revoked. Officials from the Colorado Department of Revenue’s Medical Marijuana Enforcement Division will be monitoring activity on campus and medical marijuana centers throughout Boulder.
Parking on campus will be closed to visitors and Regent Drive will also be close off from 1:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on April 20. Visitors to special events on campus from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. must register online at www.colorado.edu/april20 and check in at the East Campus Administrative and Research Center before gaining access to campus.
CU Student Government in partnership with CU-Boulder’s Program Council has arranged for a free concert performed by Wyclef Jean at the Coors Events Center at 2 p.m to 7 p.m. with doors closing at 4 p.m. Friday, which open to CU students with a buff card only.
“We are asking students to support us in the effort to protect the reputation of our institution – and do it by attending a great free concert,” said Carly Robinson, CUSG vice president for internal affairs in a university press release on April 3.
CUSG passed a resolution in November calling for an end to the 4/20 gathering. The Boulder Faculty Assembly also voted to support these efforts on March 1.
For more information on the series of measures to be undertaken on April 20, visit www.colorado.edu/april20.
