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More Protests Coincide With Denver Discussions On Race Relations

DENVER (CBS4) - Demonstrators rallied again in Denver and Aurora on Friday, the same day Mayor Michael Hancock and other civic leaders held the first in a series of community discussions on race relations.

One rally protested police brutality and racism at the Capitol on Friday morning. That group planned to deliver a letter to Gov. John Hickenlooper, demanding new laws that set strict standards for police conduct.

A second group of about 100 health care students from the University of Colorado gathered on the Anschutz campus in Aurora, protesting racism in criminal justice and the health care system.

"It's time to have some bold conversations," Hancock said at the forum.

The mayor asked questions while panels including student leaders, pastors and Denver police Chief Robert White answered them.

"Until all of us are willing to put all of our cards on the table and have a listening ear -- whether we agree or disagree -- and have respect for each other's point of view … we will never get where we need to be," White said.

The mayor said he hopes organized discussions will replace disruptive and sometimes dangerous protests.

"It isn't just black and brown and native. It's across the spectrum of people who are demanding that we be treated with full and equal dignity," Lisa Calderon, the director of the city's Community Re-Entry Project, said.

At a smaller rally of just three on Friday night, Evanny Lawson, 19, said she is protesting for change.

"When police break the law, they should be held accountable for it," she said.

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