The Denver Gazette reports that students at the University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law just passed a vote of “no confidence” in Chancellor Jeremy Haefner. Why? Because he dared to comply with new DOJ guidance from the Trump administration, which called race-based scholarships and exclusive DEI programs illegal. Haefner shut down scholarships and staff trainings restricted to “protected” classes, and the law students – future defenders of the republic, mind you – responded with a symbolic hissy fit.
This is the second such vote in as many months. Faculty hit him first, now the law students piled on. The board of trustees, meanwhile, is sticking with him, noting DU’s achievements under his leadership. But the law students are busy writing self-righteous manifestos about protecting “democratic and judicial systems.” Translation: how dare you follow the law instead of our vibes.
The Bullet Point Brief
- DU law students issued a “no confidence” vote after the university ended race-based scholarships and DEI programs flagged as unlawful.
- The DOJ memo warned universities they risk losing federal funds if they keep using race as a deciding factor. DU said: yeah, we like federal funding.
- Students accused leaders of failing to “protect their needs and interests.” Apparently, “the law” isn’t a need or an interest.
- Faculty also took a swing earlier this summer, griping about “top-down” leadership—translation: Haefner followed the law without asking their permission.
- The Board of Trustees still supports Haefner. At least someone remembers universities are supposed to exist after the lawsuits hit.
My Bottom Line
Dude follows federal guidance, and the self-styled titans of jurisprudence – the future bench-warmers of America’s courtrooms – decide he deserves a no-confidence vote? Based on what law? Based on what objective criteria? None, of course. This is law school cosplay, a mix of grievance politics and toddler tantrums dressed up in legalese.
The great irony: these students claim they’re defending “our democratic and judicial systems.” Newsflash – our judicial system is literally built on enforcing laws even when you don’t like them. If they can’t grasp that, maybe DU should start offering remedial courses in Common Sense 101.
