Denver, CO -- Today, the University of Colorado Board of Regents voted 5-4 to confirm Mark Kennedy as the next University of Colorado President. One Colorado, the state’s leading advocacy organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer Coloradans and their families, released the following statement from Executive Director Daniel Ramos:

“As a proud alum of both the Denver and Boulder campuses and a former Tri-Executive, I care deeply about the future of the University of Colorado system. And as the Executive Director of One Colorado, the state’s largest advocacy organization for LGBTQ Coloradans, we heard from LGBTQ students, staff, faculty, and community members about their concerns with the candidacy of Mark Kennedy as the next President of the University of Colorado. Thank you to all of those who reached out to us.

After reaching out to CU Regent Vice Chair Jack Kroll to set up One Colorado’s meeting with Mark Kennedy, we had a productive conversation about some key issues, including transgender and women’s healthcare, Title IX, and the push for federal nondiscrimination protections. Since Kennedy would be coming from a state with no protections for LGBTQ people to a state with some of the best protections for LGBTQ people, we emphasized the importance of his voice as a conservative in the discussion in support of LGBTQ issues.

While One Colorado did not endorse a candidate for the President, we will continue to partner with the University of Colorado on their efforts to champion inclusivity for all. And, after Mark Kennedy’s confirmation, One Colorado will be here to hold Mark Kennedy accountable for his commitment to not take the University backwards.”