University of Denver Magazine

The May 1970 invasion of Cambodia, followed by the killing of four students at Kent State University in Ohio, set off a chain reaction of protests on college and university campuses across the country. At DU, the construction of a commune dubbed “Woodstock West” followed a strike rally, a march, and other protests on campus. Police tore the structure down three days later, but the spirit of the protest lasted through Commencement in June, where approximately 60% of the senior class either wore armbands with peace insignias or chose not to wear caps and gowns.