During the late 1960s campuses across the country saw a rise in student engagement through political demonstrations and protests. DU was no exception to this phenomenon. Students staged several demonstrations demanding the right to self-governance and integration.

Student momentum from the 1960’s continued into the next decade with what, to date, has been the largest political demonstration at the University of Denver. Woodstock West was a multi-day event spurred after students at Kent State University were killed by the National Guard. Students, staff, and faculty set up camp in the middle of campus and over the three-day demonstration classes were cancelled and participants were directed to disassemble the camp several times by campus, Denver, and national authorities.