8 people sue over arrests during Auraria campus protests
DENVER — Eight people who were arrested last April during protests on Tivoli Quad at the Auraria Campus have filed a lawsuit arguing their First Amendment rights were violated.
The lawsuit filed by Rathod Mohamedbhai LLC on behalf of the eight plaintiffs names multiple Auraria Campus Police Department officers, including Chief Jason Mollendor, in their individual capacities.
The pro-Palestinian protestors, who include students, professors, and community members, were arrested on April 26, 2024, after gathering at Tivoli Quad to protest Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Their attorneys argue that their demonstration was “peaceful” and “non-disruptive.” The lawsuit says the Auraria Campus Police Department chief issued a blanket dispersal order but never informed protesters of any issues with their tents and never gave them a chance to remove them.
They claim the protestors were sitting on the grass when officers showed up in riot gear and surrounded them. Arrests began shortly after, and continued even after the tents had been voluntarily dismantled, according to the law firm.
Each of those suing was arrested after the tents had been removed.
During the protests last year, the Auraria Higher Education Center said in a statement that the tents violated campus policy. Campus administrators spoke with the demonstrators multiple times, and the demonstrators didn’t take down the tents. That was when “law enforcement stepped in,” the statement said.
A spokeswoman for the Auraria Campus provided the following statement in response to the lawsuit.
“The Auraria Campus has not been served with any civil rights lawsuit related to the events of April 26, 2024. Based on available media reports, it appears that the individuals involved chose to engage with the press prior to notifying either the Auraria Campus administration or the Auraria Campus Police Department.
We are also aware of several misrepresentations reported in today’s media coverage. As with any legal matter, Auraria Campus remains committed to following the appropriate legal processes and protocols. We will be prepared to respond accordingly if and when we are served.
Our priority continues to be transparency, accountability, and the safety and well-being of the Auraria Campus community.”