By Rocky Mountain Voice Staff
The University of Colorado Board of Regents has initiated an independent review into Regent Wanda James’ actions regarding state funding for the Colorado School of Public Health. The move comes after James reportedly suggested pulling funding from the school due to concerns over its public awareness campaign on high-potency cannabis.
In a joint statement released on March 18 Regents Chair Callie Rennison and Vice Chair Ken Montera confirmed that the board has requested a third-party investigation to determine whether James violated regent laws or policies.
The Colorado School of Public Health, a joint effort of CU Anschutz, CSU and UNC, was tasked by the Colorado Legislature in 2021 with researching the public health impacts of high-potency THC, particularly its effects on children. As part of that initiative, the school launched “The Tea on THC” campaign in December 2024 to educate the public on its findings.
However, on January 26, Regent Wanda James objected to certain illustrations used in the campaign. CU leadership removed the images the following day, agreeing they were insensitive. But soon after, James was quoted in an interview stating she had spoken with Governor Jared Polis’ team about cutting funding to the school altogether.
James’ comments raised immediate concerns among fellow regents.
In the March 18 statement, CU Board of Regents Chair Callie Rennison and Vice Chair Ken Montera addressed the controversy, stating: “Soon after, the Board learned for the first time that Regent James was quoted in the online publication Green Market Report as saying that she had “a conversation yesterday with the governor and members of the governor’s team, and we’re looking at pulling funding from (the Colorado School of Public Health) for this.” In additional coverage of the issue, Westword reported that “[Regent James] would like to see the entire Tea on THC campaign pulled, with its remaining funds directed to grants for marijuana business owners who qualify for social equity licenses.”
Regents Rennison and Montera emphasized the board’s fiduciary duty to uphold the university’s financial integrity, stating that the investigation aims to determine if James’ actions were appropriate or constituted an abuse of her position.
The third-party investigation will examine the circumstances surrounding James’ statements and determine whether any regent laws or university policies were violated. The findings will be made public upon completion of the review.
As scrutiny mounts, the CU Board of Regents reaffirmed its commitment to transparent governance and academic integrity. The review is expected to conclude in the coming weeks, with potential ramifications for James depending on its outcome.