Administration officials at Colorado University are warning students about participating in Monday's 4/20 campus celebration. Last year, more than 10,000 revelers smoked out Norlin Quad.

Here's the letter sent to students:

TO: All CU-Boulder Students
FROM: Office of the Chancellor
DATE: April 15, 2009
SUBJECT: A statement from the CU-Boulder leadership to CU Students on the 4-20 gathering

Dear Students:

As another April 20 approaches, we are faced with concerns from students, parents, alumni, Regents, and community members about a repeat of last year’s 4/20 “event.”

Let us start by saying that we share their concerns. A gathering of thousands on our campus for the sole purpose of engaging in unlawful activity is contrary to everything that CU-Boulder stands for and is in no way condoned. This event only serves to harm the reputation of this great university and is comprised in large part of individuals with no investment in the university at all.

The increasingly large crowds that have gathered in recent years present safety risks for participants, whether students or people not affiliated with the campus. This activity violates a number of campus regulations designed to provide for the well-being of our campus and neighboring community.

On April 20, 2009, we hope that you will choose not to participate in unlawful activity that debases the reputation of your University and degree, and will encourage your fellow Buffs to act with pride and remember who they really are — part of a dynamic environment of teaching, research, learning, and service, nationally recognized for its unique and stellar academic programs, outstanding faculty, and proud students and alumni.

Sincerely,

Phil DiStefano
Interim Chancellor

Julie Wong
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

Deb Coffin
Dean of Students

In direct oppostion to this letter, NORML@CU is hyping the event:

4/20 is International Cannabis Day, celebrated by millions of people throughout the world. Every year on 4/20 at 4:20 PM, citizens worldwide gather together to celebrate their favorite plant. On 4/20/2007, there were 5,000 people. On 4/20/08, there were 10,000 people. On 4/20/09 at 4:20pm, we expect over 15,000 people!

NORML@CU does not advocate the violation of laws, we advocate the changing of unjust laws. Please, keep this protest safe and peaceful. Bring plenty of water and have a good time!!!

*NORML@CU is sponsoring the National Marijuana Forum on Apr. 18-19. It will be held on campus. CelebStoner's Steve Bloom is scheduled to speak on the Cannabis Cultural Icons panel at 3:15 pm on Apr. 19.

Also see:

The True Story of 420

More Marijuana News

Comments (10)

10 Saturday, 25 April 2009 22:41

Zack

idk..call me a hypocrite but I can understand the schools position..A shit load of people doing something illegal on your property. The fact is weed is still illegal and because of that has violent and legal ramifications..That being said if I lived in Boulder I would be there blazing like everyone else..although from that pic I dont think you would have to do much to get high but stand there..

9 Tuesday, 21 April 2009 16:40

Jaaaaake

So while in attendance at this years celebration I noticed 3 cesna planes flying around the CU campus at a somewhat low altitude. I can only presume they were taking pictures, for what purpose, i do not know. It seems to me to be a telescopic shootout.
its too bad there always has to be some reminder of the man's hand at such unbelievable moments. Let me be free.

8 Monday, 20 April 2009 07:20

Seamusdog420

15,000 of us all smoking in one place...don't it just drive you cops nuts? Can't get us all can you? I will be the one smoking weed in the red hat, come and get me pigs!!!

7 Sunday, 19 April 2009 20:39

chelzzzee

to all 15,000 people. i will see you there.
to smoke mass amounts of weeeeed.

6 Friday, 17 April 2009 17:52

scotty

This is too funny i have ben in boulder for more than ten years and this has always gon on. So i say keep it up everyone and i will see you there

5 Thursday, 16 April 2009 19:30

abigail

either ways im going see you there

4 Thursday, 16 April 2009 12:56

Medical cannabis of the Rockies

Thats right i will be at CU listening to knowledge that will be given on all 3 days, isn't that what school is about? Learning, getting educated, I guess you can only learn what they say we can. The tradition has started, they can only stop it by closing the school for good, my guess is that ain't happening, SO SMOKE ON!!

3 Thursday, 16 April 2009 11:02

massterd

if they dont want them smoking pot then lets have a 420 on alcohol an see what happens after about 5hours later. what a mess that would be. just set back and watch.ha?ha?

2 Thursday, 16 April 2009 08:35

Pablo

This is backwards. I would rather debase a university that tells me no than have my own freedoms hindered and debased. Smoking is my right and 1 million years in a prison camp will not change my mind.

1 Thursday, 16 April 2009 08:33

Pablo

I expect institutions of higher learning to stand up for what is right. The phenomenon of 420 is an obvious and paramount cultural validation of peaceful people and their desire to enjoy marijuana unhindered. CU should support original america and stop marching blindly to the evil and hypocritical status quo. They sell alcohol on campus and that should say enough right there!

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