Starting on Monday, March 23 Worner Campus Center is only accessible by Gold Card access. The change in access was initially introduced by the Dean of the College, Pedro de Araujo, on Friday, March 6.
“This change, like the recent adjustments to academic buildings, is designed to provide a clear, consistent approach to building access to support, security, and focus of everyone in our community,” Dean de Araujo wrote in an email sent to the school community on March 6.
At the end of February, access to academic buildings also became Gold Card-only.
Dean de Araujo, in an email sent on Feb. 16, noted that the change would help the college operate as a private college property, and that by “moving to card access and clarifying property boundaries, we are putting in place a consistent approach to how our spaces are accessed.”
Some Colorado College students have speculated that the changes follow reactions to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids that began last year. The school, however, has not confirmed this.
“The decision to adjust building access was not made in response to any specific agency or enforcement scenario,” Rosalie Rodriguez, the college diversity officer, told The Catalyst when access was initially changed.
Leadership Development and Fraternity/Sorority Coordinator Bryre Malone noted in an email sent to members of Greek life organizations on campus on Friday, Feb. 20, that the “intention is to ensure all academic, residential and administrative buildings are managed as private college property. This is to protect our students, staff and faculty more thoroughly and effectively. Tutt [Library] and Worner will remain open to the public.”
Tutt Library remains open to the public from 8 a.m. through 6 p.m. on weekdays and 10 a.m. through 6 p.m. on weekends. Access after 6 p.m. requires a Gold Card.
“Most importantly, please remember to carry your Gold Card with you while on campus,” Dean de Araujo added in his March 6 email.
Worner, which houses Rastall Dining Hall, Colorado Coffee and Benjamin’s, along with the Butler Center, Campus Activities, CC Student Government Association, Information Desk, Native American Elder-In-Residence, Arts & Craft Studio and CC Pantry Exchange, will now require students to scan into the building.