Six Boulder residents filed a lawsuit against the university on Thursday claiming CU is violating their First Amendment rights.
"This is a violation on our freedoms and it's not right," Tim Tipton, one of the plaintiffs who filed the lawsuit, said.
The attorney for the Boulder residents, Rob Corry, claimed it was an unprecedented attempt by the university to shut down the campus. Corry argued that the campus wide closure was unreasonable and too extreme.
"When did this happen? CU used to be a place of tolerance and respect for all views," Corry said.
CU attorneys said they have a right to protect the academic mission without disruption.
"Because of the disruption that 4/20 has caused over the years and the complaints I got from staff faculty and constituents we took this bold move to close campus," Chancellor Phil DeStefano said.
CU Police Chief Joe Roy testified that he and his officers are restricted by the large crowds and their ability to respond to situations is slower.
A student also testified, saying the event is a distraction and hurts the reputation of the school. A dean and a professor took the stand to tell the judge they have left work early because of the distraction the event causes.
After all of the witnesses were cross examined and closing arguments were made, the judge ruled that Corry did not prove that the campus is a public forum so he ultimately sided with the university saying that they have the right to regulate their campus.
CU says on average, 37,000 people come to campus every day. On Friday, police officers will be at the entrances to campus checking every ID to make sure visitors don't enter the campus. If someone is on campus without a valid ID, the university says they will be considered trespassing and could face a $750 fine and jail time.
Campus officials say officers have been instructed to use minimal force.
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