Wanda James Speaks Out After CU Censure: “I’m Not Going Anywhere”

Earlier this month, the University of Colorado Board of Regents voted to censure one of its own members, Regent Wanda James. The decision followed an investigation into James’s opposition to a CU-backed marijuana education campaign, raising concerns among some observers about potential free speech implications. James, however, has stated she has no intention of stepping down and has already begun her re-election campaign.

“My term is not over until 2029, and I will not step down,” James told Yellow Scene Magazine.

The censure vote took place during a public hearing on July 2, with seven of nine regents voting in favor. Regent Nolbert Chavez voted against the resolution; James was asked to abstain.

In a prepared statement, the Board wrote:

“It was a difficult decision and one that none of us took lightly or without careful consideration. 

The resolution explains that a majority of the board agreed that Regent James had violated her duties to the University in her actions and statements concerning removal of funding for the University.”

The investigation focused on James’s criticism of “TEA on THC,” a Colorado School of Public Health campaign depicting the effects of marijuana on the brain. The campaign featured exclusively Black characters, which James called out as racist and harmful. She requested that funding for the campaign be revoked, a move some regents said was a misuse of her role.

James, who owns a cannabis dispensary, denied any wrongdoing. She maintained that her objections were about equity and representation, not personal or financial interest.

“After a $500,000 investigation I was found guilty of nothing,” she said. “Not conflict of interest. Not lobbying. Not skirting my fiduciary responsibility. The only thing that I was found guilty of was not showing care and loyalty to CU.”

Censure is a formal statement of disapproval. It does not remove a regent from office but can limit their participation in board matters. According to CU policy, censured members may face restrictions on committee leadership and other responsibilities.

During the hearing, James framed the board’s action as retaliatory.

James reading a statement during the hearing surrounded by supporters

“Today is not about a censure,” she said. “It is about censorship and retaliation. I was elected by the people of Colorado. I was not hired by this board, and I will not be silenced by its traditions or afraid of this vote.”

She argued that the board’s investigation targeted her instead of those responsible for approving the campaign.

“You didn’t investigate the firm that created the racist campaign. You didn’t investigate the executives that approved the racist campaign. You investigated the one person that stood up and said, ‘This is wrong,’” she said.

While James publicly questioned the board’s motives, other regents defended the censure as necessary for transparency and accountability.

“One of the most dangerous challenges I feel we’re facing today is not disagreement over values or policy,” said Regent Ilana Spiegel during the hearing. “It’s the contesting of basic facts.”

Spiegel said the board believed James either acted to influence the defunding decision without board input or misrepresented her involvement, either of which, she said, raised “serious concerns.” Regent Elliot Hood described the censure not as an effort to silence James but as “an act of self-governance and accountability.”

The investigative report included several public posts by James criticizing the campaign and CU administration. However, it did not suggest that she attempted to conceal her views or her ownership of a dispensary.

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser took to X (formerly Twitter) to weigh in on the board’s decision, warning that it may violate James’s First Amendment rights.

“The First Amendment protects the right to free expression. Neither a White House executive order nor a public university policy can override this fundamental right. I am concerned that the CU Board of Regents’ action sanctioning Regent Wanda James did just that” Weiser wrote. “Leaving this action in place not only raises questions of fairness, it undermines CD1’s representation on the Board.”

James is currently the only Black member of the Board of Regents and the first Black woman to serve in the role in over four decades. The university has promoted her historic appointment on its website.

“I have already launched my reelection campaign,” James said. “I’m not going anywhere.”

The board did not respond to Yellow Scene Magazine’s request for comment.

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