Undercover at Folsom: CU’s new policy threatens trust
- Avery Childs
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
Folsom Field buzzes with energy when 50,000 black-and-gold bees unite in one hive. Chants and cheers vibrate through the stands as the swarm moves together.
After the Colorado Buffaloes defeated the No. 22 Iowa State Cyclones on Saturday, they stormed the field with vigorous elation.
But following recent events, this hum may feel different. Someone in that hive does not belong. They aren’t here to cheer; they’re watching.
The University of Colorado Boulder is placing plain-clothed police officers in the stands at Folsom Field to monitor fan behavior and implement immediate removals if necessary. This comes after a $50,000 Big 12 fine following fan misconduct against Brigham Young University, where CU students chanted religious slurs.
“Disruptive behavior, including foul, abusive, obscene or discriminatory language or gestures, as well as throwing items will result in immediate removal from the stadium. This can include entire rows or even sections if the disruptive behavior persists,” CU Athletics posted on Oct. 6.
Students in the crowd echoed anti-Mormon chants throughout the stands. But little did they know, a handful of CU students belonged to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. After the game, many said they felt unwelcome, with multiple even applying to transfer that night.
No one should defend these offensive actions, but placing undercover officers is not the right solution. This change threatens the vibrant culture of Folsom Field. The student section thrives on unfiltered enthusiasm. Hidden officers will transform this environment from one of joy, laughter and excitement into one of suspicion and paranoia.
“It makes me feel like CU doesn’t trust us,” sophomore Gabriella Eckstrom told Sko Buffs Sports. “The football games are where we show pride in our school with chants and high energy. But how can we keep that spirit when we are being watched? It feels like CU is just waiting for us to mess up.”
For students who embrace the more energetic side of gamedays, this policy comes as an even bigger loss.
“As someone who gets loud and a little rowdy at the games, the undercover cops will make me more hesitant to cheer,” junior Kai Phipps said. “It’s going to be hard to enjoy the environment when you are constantly wondering if someone is watching you.”
CU claims to value “Respect, inclusion and integrity,” according to a statement made by Chancellor Justin Schwartz and Athletic Director Rick George on Sept. 28.
But trust is a two-way street. If CU wants students to uphold these values, they must first demonstrate them. Spying on students during games deceives both respect and inclusion.
Other universities have found alternatives to maintain accountability without undermining trust. Penn State uses student-led “Lion Ambassadors” and “Tailgate Ambassadors” to improve fan experience. In these systems, students and alumni dedicate themselves to promoting sustainability and managing the Penn State student section during football games.
“I think CU should implement student-led programs,” sophomore Scarlett Clark said. “Fans would trust other fans and hold each other accountable.”
The Big 12 fine made it clear that some behavior crossed the line, but the solution should empower students to self-regulate rather than treat them like criminals.
CU may hope undercover officers prevent misconduct, but the policy risks doing the opposite. When trust is replaced with fear, the environment goes from one of safety to one of anxiety.
Folsom Field is more than just a stadium. It’s a place for students to unite and show pride for the school they love. It should buzz with pride, not paranoia.
“If CU wants to build a positive gameday environment, they have to build trust with students, not spy on them,” Eckstrom said.
*Editor's note: Written before Colorado vs. Iowa State on Oct. 11, where the effects of these policies are currently unknown.*
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