CU Regents need to commit to priorities
Re: “University of Colorado: Following investigation, board censures Regent Wanda James,” July 3 news story
Having spent 19 of my 30-plus years advocating for access to higher education, I am deeply troubled by the University of Colorado Board of Regents’ decision to censor Regent Wanda James. This action reflects a wider assault on higher education.
The Pell Grant program faces potential elimination, universities are pressured to dismantle essential support for underserved students, and all the while, funding for critical academic programs is slashed. The board’s decision exemplifies a failure in leadership and a lack of focus on pressing institutional challenges.
James rightly highlighted a racist depiction in a public health campaign about cannabis use during pregnancy. While her censorship is concerning, the approval of that campaign raises significant questions about internal checks and balances. Instead of fostering transparency and inclusivity, fellow regents chose to silence one of their own.
To those who voted for this censorship: I urge you to address the real challenges facing our $7.1B institution and the external threats to our education system with the same energy you directed at James for expressing her truth. You are responsible for guiding Colorado’s flagship university system; now is the time to show integrity, courage, and a commitment to equity and justice. Rethink your actions, recommit to your elected priorities, and do better — for James, all students, and the future of higher education.
Morris Price Jr, Denver
Throwing support behind Trump, Musk and Gulf of Mexico
I am both a supporter of President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. I do, however, disagree with changing the name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.
I lived for several years near the Gulf of Mexico and spent a lot of time on the beach. The Gulf of Mexico is rich in history as the name suggests. Changing the name will only result in a loss of history. I never felt, while lying in the warm sands of the Gulf of Mexico, that I was not lying on American soil.
Susanne MacDonald, Broomfield
We are a nation of immigrants, but we need guardrails
It is starting to get redundant and pointless to keep hearing that we are a nation of immigrants in order to justify the acceptance of illegal immigration, of which a certain percentage now seems to be a serious criminal element.
Yes, our country was settled by immigrants, often displacing native citizens in the process. So, let’s bring us up to date. We are now a stable nation of citizens with a Constitution and laws regulating immigration, for which there are many good reasons. Every country has laws regarding immigration; we are not unique in that respect.
We accept immigrants into the United States, and as a country of laws we have every right to determine who we will accept, under what circumstances, and how many. The dangers of unregulated immigration, as has happened with the last administration, created many hazards for our citizens and our country. We had no idea how many criminals, gang members, and covert agents entered our country. In many cases, we have paid a price for that situation, some with their lives and property.
As a nation, we should continue to show compassion, and immigration should proceed according to our laws and needs. We cannot fix all the problems of the world, but we can help.
William F. Hineser, Arvada
Yankees eyeing Rockies’ McMahon
Re: “If Rockies love McMahon, Marquez, they’ll trade them,” June 20 commentary
The Yankees would be fortunate to grab third baseman Ryan McMahon if the Rockies are willing to part with him. The topic du jour on Yankees sports radio is the need for a third baseman. They just moved Jazz Chisholm, Jr., one of their best offensive players this season, from his fill-in role at third base back to his natural defensive position at second.
McMahon would be a perfect fit, considering he was a Gold Glove finalist four straight years and a 2024 All-Star.
Adam Silbert, New York City
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