Wanda James isn’t just the first Black female elected Regent on the University of Colorado Board—she’s a businesswoman who owns a cannabis dispensary, a Navy veteran, and a CU alumna representing Colorado’s Congressional District 1. This district, which encompasses Denver, much of Arapahoe County, and a portion of Jefferson County, is home to over 722,000 residents. It is one of the most diverse, civically active, and economically vital areas in the state. And now, the elected voice of those residents has been effectively silenced.

On Wednesday, July 2, nearly six months after the initial complaint, the CU Board of Regents voted to censure James and strip her of all committee assignments, plus her leadership role as Vice Chair of the University Affairs Committee. Her so-called offense? Publicly criticizing a state tax-funded, university-sponsored anti-cannabis campaign intended to educate about the potential risks of high-potency marijuana for youth and pregnant individuals. James described the campaign as “blatantly racist,” “deeply harmful,” and an “intentional and calculated attack on Blackness” due to its use of illustrations featuring a Black fetus and Black youth. Rather than staying silent, Regent James raised concerns shared by many in her district and advocated for the funds to be redirected toward equity-focused education. For that, she was punished.

Earlier this year, CU officials apologized for the illustrations chosen and removed them from their website. ‘Then, a Shame on Wanda James’ website appeared to spin a narrative of a potential conflict of interest.

Let’s be clear: An independent legal review found no conflict of interest. This was not about ethics—it was about silencing a regent who dared to challenge the institution’s messaging on race and cannabis. Her censure reflects a troubling intolerance for voices that challenge the status quo, especially when those voices speak for historically marginalized communities.

It’s important to remember that District 1 residents help fund CU through state tax dollars, even if their contribution is smaller than tuition or federal grants. That investment should guarantee fair representation. But now, the Regent they elected—whose term runs through 2029—has been muted by an indefinite censure.

Being silenced isn’t just a blow to Regent James—it’s a blow to the entire district. While not all 722,000 residents are voters, Regent James was elected to represent them all—students, parents, veterans, business owners, and youth alike. It undermines CU’s claims of valuing equity, inclusion, and transparency. If speaking out for equity leads to being stripped of leadership, what message does that send to students, staff, and the broader community?

District 1 residents have every right to push back:

1. Contact the CU Board of Regents to reverse the censure.

2. Attend public meetings and speak during comment sessions.

3. Use social media, letters, and news outlets to show support.

4. Urge state lawmakers to defend democratic representation.

Wanda James was elected to serve the over 722,000 residents of District 1—and she brings a lived experience that enriches the Board, not threatens it. The University of Colorado must do better.

Restoring her full role isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s a necessary step toward aligning the university’s actions with its stated values. To remain silent in the face of injustice is to be complicit. CU must choose courage and correct this wrong.