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CU brass sent notes to those quoted after Bailey's death
Letters to students draw fire
CU brass sent notes to those quoted after Bailey's death
By Christine Reid, Camera Staff Writer
October 20, 2004
Boulder County civil rights leaders say the University of Colorado is trying to intimidate students who talked to the media recently about excessive drinking on campus.
Three CU students, at least one of them of drinking age, received chastising letters from Vice Chancellor Ron Stump after they were quoted in newspaper articles about drinking following the Sept. 17 alcohol-related death of freshman Lynn Gordon Bailey Jr.
The Boulder County American Civil Liberties Union, contacted by one of the students — identified only as Kim — believes the letter could have a chilling effect on students' free speech, said local chapter chairman Judd Golden.
Stump defended his correspondence saying he was merely expressing his disappointment — and also exercising his First Amendment rights.
"At a time when the campus is reeling due to the death of a student ... I am extremely disappointed that you would behave in such a manner as described in the newspaper article," Stump wrote to Kim, a 22-year-old. "You may not be concerned about your image and/or the impact of excessive alcohol use on your behavior.
"I hope you realize how your portrayal in the newspaper negatively impacts so many CU students."
Kim felt intimidated by the letter, Golden said, so much so that she and her family refused to give even the ACLU her last name.
"We feel that the university very interestingly has policies that say the reputation of the university is a center for free speech. I guess not if it hurts the image of the university," Golden said. "Better not say bad things about the football team or you will get a letter. ... Where will this end?"
Golden said his group is discussing what actions to pursue.
Stump said he sent a similar letter to two other students, at least one of whom was under 21, quoted in newspaper articles about their drinking habits and that he would do it again in the future.
"I'm disappointed at them, and that's my free speech as well," he said.
Stump said he did not write the letters to intimidate and was not "calling them in" for a referral to the Office of Judicial Affairs for possible sanctions. Rather, he said, it was only an invitation to talk.
"We should expect more of ourselves than what they were presenting," Stump said.
None of the students have accepted his invitation to chat, he said, but Stump has gotten "not positive" feedback from their parents.
CU spokeswoman Pauline Hale said students admitting to violating the school's code of conduct in media reports including photographs are subject to a referral to the Office of Judicial Affairs. Citing student confidentiality rules, she would not say how many may be in trouble for appearing in articles following Bailey's death at the Chi Psi fraternity other than it is a "very small number."
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