This year's No. 1 party school, the University of Colorado, is bracing for a major unsanctioned event when thousands of students and cannabis enthusiasts descend on the campus to celebrate 4/20, according to the Colorado Daily.
The annual pot smoke-out will take place on CU's Norlin Quadrangle. The Colorado Daily reports that last year, 10,000 people showed up to the gathering, some to advocate for marijuana legalization and some just to celebrate the day in whatever manner they saw fit.
CU Vice Chancellors Julie Wong and Frank Bruno asked students not to participate in the event, saying that it harms the university's academic reputation, interrupts classes and is expensive to maintain. They added that the annual festivities are not compelling as a political tactic, and amount to little more than a massive party.
Some students are planning on avoiding the event by steering clear of the quad or staying off campus entirely. And some professors are planning on continuing with business as usual -- as per the request of university officials -- but some will take inspiration from the massive smoke-out in conducting their classes.
Philosophy instructor Matt Pike told the Daily that he will hold an open discussion about the roots and implications of the day, as well as about drug legalization and government responsibility, during his Intro to Philosophy lecture on Thursday.
Because the event is held against the wishes of the university, students will be responsible for clearing the area at the close of the event. This year, a Christian group has volunteered to help clean up the quad. And though university officials may decry the celebration, local businesses -- especially those selling smoking apparatuses and food -- welcome the holiday.
The University of Santa Cruz will also host a hazy celebration, but campus officials plan on increasing security this year due to a graffiti threat received last month, reports the City On A Hill Press.
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