Denver, CO

Resignations and rainbow removals: What DU’s move to end DEI looks like on campus

Published

8 months ago

October 24, 2025

Resignations and rainbow removals: What DU’s move to end DEI looks like on campus

The Pride Lounge at the University of Denver was a colorful conference room adorned with rainbows, LGBTQ-affirming posters and bookshelves crammed with queer literature.

Students of all backgrounds and beliefs could gather there to chat, study and build community, but the space was particularly affirming and welcoming for the campus’s LGBTQ students — a place they could be their authentic selves.

Eric Duran, former director of the Gender and Sexuality Student Success wing of the private university’s Cultural Center, said he broke down when DU leadership issued a directive last month to scrub the university of resources for LGBTQ people.

Duran and his co-director at the since-renamed Cultural Center resigned this month. Duran said he couldn’t bring himself to dismantle the Pride Lounge, so a colleague removed all LGBTQ-related items from the room — one of the most plainly visible examples of DU’s move this fall to end diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on campus, drawing anger from some faculty, employees and students.

“It felt like I was being told to put students back in the closet or to not be visible at the university anymore,” Duran said. “I really did break down. It was a very hard day.”

The resignations occurred weeks after Chancellor Jeremy Haefner announced DU was doing away with many of the services and programs that support students of color and other marginalized scholars out of fear the school would lose federal funding from the Trump administration, which has labeled diversity initiatives as unlawfully discriminatory.

Since returning to office in January, President Donald Trump and his administration have railed against DEI efforts and pulled federal funding from institutions with programs supporting people of color, LGBTQ students and low-income residents who often face extra barriers to college.

Haefner declined an interview for this story, but provided an emailed statement saying DU remained “steadfastly committed” to inclusiveness. He noted that this year’s class of first-year students had the highest percentage of students of color in DU history at 34%.

“I understand change can be hard, especially when individuals feel as though the representation of particular identities may be at stake, and even more so when someone does not agree with why the change is occurring and has invested so much time in advocating for something so critical,” Haefner wrote. “But I continue to be inspired by our staff and faculty who lean into this effort and are focused on making sure that we continue to provide support and resources for all faculty, staff, and students at DU.”

People who work and learn at the Denver liberal arts college describe “a culture of fear” created by a “university bending to an authoritarian government,” Duran wrote in an email to colleagues upon his resignation.

Haefner told The Denver Post last month that DU was not “kowtowing” to the federal administration and that inclusivity would remain an institutional core value. But as programs and spaces benefitting the university’s most vulnerable students are moved, renamed or dissolved, DU’s marginalized community members say they wonder whether their diversity — once touted by the university as a positive — will be drowned out entirely.

Anxious students

Dheepa Sundaram, DU associate professor of Hindu studies and digital culture, called the current higher education landscape a “crisis situation.” She said she understands there is no easy solution and that the risk of seeing funding cut off is real.

Academic institutions across the country have lost hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funds this year as the Trump administration pulls grants deemed DEI-related.

“But I also think we should fight,” Sundaram said. “We have a risk-averse administration that is also not great at communicating, and that’s made this situation difficult. There’s a lot of confusion around why we won’t fight back. The administration is telling us, ‘Don’t worry. We’re erasing you, but we’re still here.’ That feels really tone deaf.”

Haefner noted in his statement that since 2023, all universities have been impacted by the Supreme Court ruling on the consideration of race in admissions, including through the “changes in interpretation of the law” that Trump’s Justice Department issued equating DEI with discrimination.

“We remain steadfastly committed to our values, including our commitment to inclusiveness and our collective work to make sure all students can feel welcomed and supported,” Haefner wrote. “We also are committed to comply with the law, and we are confident that we can achieve both goals.”

Sundaram recently met with her students of color to hear their thoughts on the changes at their school this year.

The image on the left shows the website of the University of Denver’s former Cultural Center, which has been rebranded as Community Connections, shown on the right. (Screen captures via web.archive.org and du.edu)

Not only was the Pride Lounge dismantled, but a lounge for students of color was dissolved, too, Sundaram said. The Cultural Center — formerly a space inside the Community Commons building — was relocated to a smaller space on a different floor and renamed Community Connections.

DEI training for faculty and staff was also eliminated.

Students who give campus tours to incoming freshmen told Sundaram they’ve been instructed to remove references to resources for students of color and LGBTQ students, she said. Her students told her they feel like they have to censor themselves on campus. On a positive note for Sundaram, the professor said the curriculum appears to be untouched.

“I don’t think students know where to go for support,” Sundaram said. “Students feel like they have lost all the different things that made the campus feel special and connected. I don’t think the administration recognizes they are destroying that community aspect they keep emphasizing because students just don’t feel like they have their back. I don’t think I’ve ever seen the students so anxious.”

Haefner said the university created a new Division of Community Support and Engagement in the wake of the DEI rollbacks to further “new means of engagement to lead in building connections for an inclusive environment for the entirety of the DU community.”

Ember Zabe, a 33-year-old student working on a master’s of social work degree, was a queer mentor in a program through the Cultural Center in which they supported undergraduate LGBTQ students. The program was disbanded this fall.

DU also eliminated scholarships, internships, mentorships or leadership programs for specific racial groups or that target underserved geographic areas.

“My heart is very heavy knowing there are young people entering DU in search of connection and opportunity that no longer exists for them,” Zabe said. “It’s not acceptable that the university boasts about their diverse student body, tokenizing students who have marginalized identities while simultaneously stripping the student body of nearly all supports and resources that support LGBTQ, first-generation and BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and people of color) students.”

Evelyn Stovin, 23, used to be a student employee at the Cultural Center and served as the former president of DU’s Queer Student Alliance.

The Cultural Center once housed the Pride Closet, which offered free, gender-affirming products like chest binders or clothing that students experimenting with their gender identity could wear. The Pride Closet was moved and renamed the Care Closet. Its purpose will be broadened, Stovin said.

“I’m frustrated that we are supposed to be a liberal university in Colorado of all places and we are run by the most despicable people imaginable who don’t have the balls to try and stand up for their students,” Stovin said.

‘DEI is not dead’

The final straw for Duran came when senior administrators said his job title and job description must change to remove any association with diverse groups, he said.

“That was really when I was like, ‘This isn’t my job anymore to serve LGBTQ students the way I did,’” Duran said.

When Duran resigned Oct. 9, he sent a long email to his colleagues, which has since been widely distributed and referenced in public faculty meetings, Sundaram said. The email, Duran said, was a reflection of what it felt like to be marginalized by the institution.

He laid out a timeline of how senior leadership dismantled DEI at DU and the various programs and events he shepherded — homecoming and prom celebrations for LGBTQ students, for example — that will now fall to students to revive.

Duran and other DU faculty and students who spoke to The Post questioned whether the federal guidelines against DEI gave DU senior leaders cover to do away with policies and programs they already wanted chopped. Haefner did not answer whether this characterization was true when asked by The Post.

“But what can you expect from a university leadership wanting to uphold the voices of bigotry and white supremacy for the sake of their funding. I’m not necessarily calling executive leadership and the board of trustees homophobic or racist — but if the converse (sic) fits,” Duran wrote in his email to DU colleagues, referring to Haefner, who is known for wearing Converse shoes around campus.

Sundaram wanted to remind students that despite the administration’s efforts, diversity at DU was not snuffed out. Student groups remain active and passionate, she said, and faculty and staff are committed to supporting their students.

“It’s important to say that DEI is not dead,” Sundaram said. “It remains very much alive in the dedicated faculty, resilient students and our committed staff. We know the challenges we are facing will be with us for a while, and perhaps that much worse is ahead… We are scared and we are frustrated, but we are still committed to doing this work.”

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Originally Published: October 24, 2025 at 8:47 AM MDT

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Denver, CO

LeBron James to the Nuggets? Latest reports and betting odds

Published

8 hours ago

July 1, 2026

Press Room

LeBron James to the Nuggets? Latest reports and betting odds

The King and the Joker together?

Is it possible that LeBron James could join the Denver Nuggets?

The 41-year-old James plans to play in 2026-27 for his 24th NBA season, but he’s informed the Lakers it will be with another team.

It seems like the Nuggets may be at least somewhat interested in pairing James with star Nikola Jokic. The Nuggets have reached out to James, the Denver Post reported on July 1.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN said he has “long believed” the Nuggets could be an “outlier” team in part because of James’ admiration for Jokic.

The Nuggets recruited James when he was a free agent in 2018 before he signed with the Lakers.

LeBron James next team betting odds

Where do the sports books think James is going? Sports betting company DraftKings Sports does not have the Nuggets high on the list.

There are 10 teams that DraftKings believes are most likely to land James in free agency after he turned down the Lakers.

DraftKings believes James will choose to sign with one of the following teams at some point this summer: Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Detroit Pistons, Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, Washington Wizards and Philadelphia 76ers.

DraftKings Sports odds: LeBron James landing spots

Here are the full odds for the top 10 landing spots this free agency period for James, a four-time champion, Finals MVP and league MVP:

Golden State Warriors: -250
Cleveland Cavaliers: +170
Miami Heat: +800
San Antonio Spurs: +3000
Detroit Pistons: +3000
Dallas Mavericks: +3000
Milwaukee Bucks: +4000
Brooklyn Nets: +4000
Washington Wizards: +5000
Philadelphia 76ers: +5000

Sports reporter Kevin Lytle can be found on social media on X, Instagram and Threads @Kevin_Lytle and on Bluesky.

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Denver, CO

Lavender festival, Tennyson Street Fair and more free and cheap things to do in July

Published

18 hours ago

July 1, 2026

Press Room

Lavender festival, Tennyson Street Fair and more free and cheap things to do in July

July 4th Food Deals

This July 4th marks America’s 250th birthday! And there are lots of $2.50 deals across the Mile High City. On July 4, Good Times offers a menu of sweet treats for $2.50 each, including frozen custard, fried ice cream and more. Through July 12, Sonic is serving its America $2.50 Menu with cheeseburgers, hot dogs, onion rings and more. Dairy Queen has its Stars & Stripes Misty Slush Float for $2.50 – through July 5. And, from July 3 to 5, Carl’s Jr. is cooking up a double cheeseburger for $2.50. Not to be left out, Krispy Kreme is giving any customer who comes into a store on the 4th wearing red, white and blue a totally free Original Glazed Doughnut. For more information and additional deals, check out milehighonthecheap.com/ free-cheap-things-4th-july-denver.

Colorado Renaissance Festival – Children’s Weekend / Military Appreciation Weekend

Hear ye! Hear ye! Merriment (on a budget) awaits. The 49th annual Colorado Renaissance Festival (650 W. Perry Park Ave.) in Larkspur is back for adventure and family fun on weekends this summer. There’s plenty for families to do and see, including entertainment, an Artisan’s Marketplace and themed weekends. And, on July 4 and 5, kids (12 and under) get in for free with the purchase of an adult ticket. It’s also Military Appreciation Weekend, with all active military and veterans getting a buy-one-get-one-free ticket. The offers are only available at the box office on-site. If you’re going without children for the holiday weekend, find discounted tickets at King Soopers. The festival runs on weekends through Aug. 2. coloradorenaissance.com

Gabriel Scarlett, The Denver Post

Alayia Fabre, 7, has her face painted by Susan Oxman of Fabulous Face Painting on July 8, 2017 at the 31st annual Blacks Arts Festival in Denver.

Colorado Black Arts Festival

It’s the 40th year for the Colorado Black Arts Festival at the West End of Denver’s City Park – from July 10 to 12. Multiple stages will showcase local and regional talent performing jazz, blues, soul, hip-hop, dance and gospel. In addition, festival-goers will find a wide variety of artwork for sale, as well as food, games and services. The Watu Sakoni (People’s Marketplace) is the place for unique gifts, crafts, woodcarvings, clothing, jewelry, oils, incense, music and books. Plus, a Children’s Pavilion will offer the younger set lots of hands-on fun with various activities and games. And the Food Court serves up affordable fare from the American South, the African continent and the Caribbean. The festival is open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and 11 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is free. colbaf.org

Erie Hot Air Balloon Festival

Look up! It’s worth getting up early for the colorful hot air balloon launch that highlights the annual Erie Hot Air Balloon Festival — from July 10 to 12. The balloons take off at 6 a.m. each morning (weather permitting) in the open field across from Erie High School, on the northwest corner of County Road 5 and Colliers Pkwy. Arrival is recommended around 5:30 a.m. New for 2026, there will be a fleet of special-shape balloons floating in the sky, including characters, creatures and colossal creations. If you’re not an early bird, there is also a Night Glow on July 11 at 8 p.m. in the same field – an opportunity to see the balloons lit up after sunset. Attendees will also enjoy food trucks, music and more. If you’re feeling adventurous, tethered balloon rides will also be available for $20 per person. erieballoonfestival.com

Cow Appreciation Day

Admittedly, some people will do anything to score free food! And, to celebrate its 80th anniversary, Chick-fil-A is bringing back one of its most popular giveaways — Cow Appreciation Day. On July 14, “moo” into any Chick-fil-A dressed as a cow (Longhorn, Dairy, Hereford…your choice!) and enjoy a free breakfast, lunch or dinner entrée from a select menu – from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Even better, children (12 and under) get a free original or grilled nuggets (5-ct.) kids’ meal with a drink, side and premium. The giveaway is only valid for customers who are physically present in the restaurant. Claim the freebie via dine-in, carry-out or drive-thru. Limit one entrée per person. chick-fil-a.com

Lavender Festival

Lavender is in the air! Back in 2015, a Lavender Garden was planted at the Denver Botanic Gardens at Chatfield Farms (8500 W. Deer Creek Canyon Rd.) in Littleton. Now that the more than 2,000 plants have come into bloom, the Denver Botanic Gardens is hosting a Lavender Festival on July 18 and 19 — from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. both days. The beautiful purple blooms create the perfect backdrop for a day devoted to “all-things lavender”. Admission includes guided garden tours, a scavenger hunt, entertainment by local Colorado bands, barrel train rides, lawn games, kids craft area and more. Also, a variety of food and drink vendors will be available for sale, as well as lavender products made by local growers and artisans. Entry also includes exploration of Chatfield Farms and the gardens. Admission is $17 for adults, $15 for seniors and $9 for children ages 3 to 15. Tickets must be purchased in advance for a specific entry time. No on-site ticket sales. botanicgardens.org/events/public-events/lavender-festival

Summerfest Arts + Music Festival

It’s a festival of arts, crafts, music and more in Evergreen at Summerfest Arts + Music Festival with more than 100 artists from across the country on hand at Buchanan Park (32003 Ellingwood Trail) on July 18 and 19. Enjoy live music and entertainment, kids’ craft activities and shopping the multitude of artists’ booths. Festival hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults at the gate, with children 10 and under getting in for free. No pets, please. Shuttle parking is free at Evergreen Middle School and U.S. Bank. Plus, the RTD and Castle Court lots are within easy walking distance to the park. evergreenarts.org/summerfest

Tennyson Street Fair

Block off the weekend for summer fun! The Tennyson Street Fair is a two-day affair, set for July 17 and 18. The fair runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday. The neighborhood block party extends multiple blocks on Tennyson from West 41st Ave. to West 43rd Ave. and brings local businesses out into the street for a festive atmosphere. Shop from more than 200 artisans and local shops at the fair’s marketplace, selling handcrafted jewelry, rugs, spices, art, candles, skincare and more. And enjoy eats and treats from more than 15 local food trucks and pop-ups. Plus, imbibe on Tennyson-brewed craft beers and libations – while listening to Denver’s Wax Trax spinning records all day, as well as live music. Kids enjoy a free bounce house. tennysonstreetfair.com

Arapahoe County Fair

It’s time for the 2026 Arapahoe County Fair, with four days of family fun from July 23 to 26. The fair takes place at the Arapahoe County Fairgrounds (25690 Quincy Ave.) in Aurora. Fairgoers will find their entertainment dollar goes a long way because gate admission includes unlimited carnival rides and all main stage performances, rodeos, 4-H livestock shows, public competitions, mutton bustin’ and more. (Only midway arcade games and food cost extra.) See critters of all types in the livestock pavilion. And be sure to check out the Comedy Wild West Show, BMX Showcase, silent disco, Globe of Death circus act, axe throwing, Top Hogs and much more. Plus, weather permitting, a drone show is planned for Friday and Saturday night at 9:30 p.m. Single-day general admission tickets are $30 for adults. Kids under 36 inches get in for free. arapahoecountyfair.com

Buffalo Wild Days

The annual Buffalo Bill Days festival brings rootin’ tootin’ Wild West fun to Golden – from July 24 to 26. The weekend includes western-style entertainment, Best of the West Parade, arts and crafts festival, children’s activities and live concerts by local bands filling Golden’s downtown streets. Admission is free. The festival officially opens at 5 p.m. on Friday in Parfet Park (710 Tenth St.) with a performance by Jeff Goodwin and Band, followed by Hillbilly Demons at 7 p.m. Red Rock Vixens headlines Saturday night at 7 p.m. The Long Run wraps things up on Sunday starting at 2 p.m. This year’s Best of the West Parade steps off on Saturday at 10 a.m. at 9th & Washington. The hour-long parade boasts more than 70 horses, plus collectible cars, floats, fire and emergency vehicles and several local performing groups. Park for free at the Jefferson County Human Services building, (900 Jefferson County Pkwy.) and hop on the complimentary shuttle right to the entrance of the event. goldenbuffalobilldays.com

Cheesman Park Arts Fest

Cheesman Park turns into an outdoor arts festival on July 25 and 26. More than 150 artists from across the country have been invited to showcase their work at the Cheesman Park Art Fest. Patrons can browse top-quality works of potters, painters, jewelers, sculptors, glass artists, and more – in a wide range of friendly prices. This lively outdoor event will also feature live music, local food trucks, creative demonstrations and activities for kids. This event is free of any commercial booths or sales, it’s all about authentic, handcrafted artwork. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days. Please carpool or consider biking or walking to the colorful event. Parking is available along the north lane of 8th Ave. The show is on the south side of the park. dashevents.com/productions/cheesman-park-art-fest

Send tips to info@milehighonthecheap.com 14 to 21 days in advance.

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Denver, CO

Colorado wildfires destroy more than 100 structures, force more evacuations

Published

1 day ago

June 30, 2026

Press Room

Colorado wildfires destroy more than 100 structures, force more evacuations

Fire crews gained some containment on one of five wildfires burning across Colorado on Tuesday, while others forced more people to evacuate their homes. The fires charred roughly 148 square miles and destroyed at least 100 buildings.

The Snyder, Gold Mountain, Ferris, Willow and Aspen Acres fires have consumed 94,189 acres as of Tuesday evening.

While fire officials said crews made good progress, firefighters are also facing terrain that’s often extremely steep or inaccessible as well as high temperatures, low humidity and gusty winds.

Aspen Acres fire in Custer and Pueblo counties

Driven by 100 mph winds, the Aspen Acres fire has consumed 28,362 acres — roughly 44 square miles — since it sparked Monday, destroyed at least 100 structures and forced evacuations, according to the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office.

Damage assessment teams are still working on getting to the structures destroyed by the wildfire and will contact property owners directly whenever possible, Pueblo County Sheriff David Lucero said during an update Tuesday afternoon.

Fire activity picked up Tuesday night, leading Pueblo County officials to issue new evacuation orders for people living in the North Creek area, including Central Road to the Custer County Line.

“DO NOT WAIT. PLEASE EVACUATE NOW,” the Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office said in a post on X.

Mandatory evacuations in the Beulah, Rye, San Isabel Lake, Aspen Acres, Lazy Acres and Bishops Castle areas and surrounding roads are still in place.

Snyder fire in Mesa County and Utah

Colorado’s largest wildfire saw a small amount of growth overnight Monday and into Tuesday as firefighters worked on building lines along eastern and southern edges to prevent more spread.

The Snyder fire, which killed three firefighters and injured two others Saturday, scorched 30,209 acres, or 47 square miles, with 10% containment as of Tuesday evening.

The wildfire’s footprint grew about 200 acres between Monday night and Tuesday afternoon, mostly by smoldering and creeping along the eastern edge, Operations Section Chief Nick Ostrom said in an update posted on social media.

Lighter winds have helped firefighters in the past few days, Ostrom said, but National Weather Service forecasters on Tuesday issued a red flag warning for critical fire weather conditions that are expected until at least Thursday.

Colorado Parks and Wildlife officials on Tuesday closed the boat ramp to the Colorado River in the James M Robb State Park for firefighter safety.

Gold Mountain fire near Ouray

A complex incident management team took over the Gold Mountain fire near Ouray on Monday night as the wildfire continued to burn across “very steep, inaccessible country.”

Fire officials mapped the wildfire at 12,376 acres, or almost 20 square miles, as of Tuesday night, up from 7,103 acres on Monday.

Ouray County officials ordered more mandatory evacuations on Tuesday afternoon, including Lower Cow Creek east of county roads 12 and 12A to the Owl Creek U.S. Forest Service Boundary. Previous mandatory evacuation orders for other areas of Ouray County are still in place, sheriff’s officials said, and part of U.S. 550 is closed.

Ferris fire in San Juan National Forest, near Dolores

The lightning-sparked Ferris fire continued burning on 21,495 acres, or 33 square miles, with no containment northwest of Dolores, but firefighters managed to stop it from spreading into a nearby subdivision despite strong winds and low humidity.

Mandatory evacuations are still in place for people living north and east of the wildfires, including the Glade Ranch subdivision, according to the Dolores County Office of Emergency Management.

Firefighters are focused on protecting homes and the historic Benchmark Lookout, operations section chief Pat Seekins said in an update.

Federal and state wildlife officials have closed public access to lands near the fire for safety, including the Bradfield Bridge Campground, Lone Dome State Wildlife Area and surrounding roads.