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.”

You know, ’cause last year’s stoner convention attendance doubled from 2007 and we’ve heard 20,000 may be attending this year. That’s a shit ton of people, yo.

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.

Despite the fact that no one’s been hurt at a CU 4/20 event and it’s really not all that different from the hundreds of thousands (low estimate) of college students across North America who are “harming the reputation” of their own universities.

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.

So many people lighting their papers and bowls at once are clearly a contributing factor to rising concerns about global warming. And you might burn your thumb!

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.

We could join chess club. I heard they need some active bodies!

Some people drink, some people don’t
Some people think, some people won’t
Some people like to smoke a bowl
And some people don’t
Some people do
Some people don’t
And it’s okay, ’cause it’s meant to be that way

- The wise and noble Dave Matthews

Sincerely,

Phil DiStefano
Interim Chancellor

Julie Wong
Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs

Deb Coffin
Dean of Students

Monday is 4/20. I bet you almost forgot. Be safe, friends, and have fun.