The sole student sitting in the chancellor’s office building on the University of Colorado Boulder campus was kicked out and threatened with arrest Wednesday evening after the student group Fossil Free CU had been occupying the private building for nearly a week.

Lior Gross, a sophomore, shook while sharing details of the event, which left the group feeling “angry and betrayed.”

Two campus administrators entered the chancellor’s office late Wednesday afternoon when Gross was the only activist left in the building and said the group had two minutes to gather its belongings and get out, or Gross could face arrest, Gross said. Administrators presented Gross with a nearly identical letter from Chancellor Phil DiStefano, which the student group advocating for fossil fuel divestment had been given Tuesday.

“We were told we could add in edits and work with the administration to draft something together,” Gross said. “I don’t understand this sudden change in tone. I was strong-armed out.”

CU campus spokesman Ryan Huff said in email that he took “great exception” to Gross’ comment that the group was “strong-armed out,” saying that the conversation lasted less than five minutes and Gross was not touched and complied without incident.

Huff said the administration had been very gracious to let the students spend their time coming and going in the chancellor’s office.

“It was time to go,” he said. “This has gone on for a week now. It was disruptive. We were unable to hold meetings in the conference room. Their message has been heard. At this point, they’re not being let back in.”

DiStefano’s letter to the campus group talks about the university’s commitment to sustainability and adds that students should continue advocating their cause to the Board of Regents, who have the power to vote on divestment.

Students met with DiStefano on Tuesday, urging CU to divest from fossil fuels and asking him to publicly support their cause.

About 6 p.m., members of Fossil Free CU gathered near the UMC Fountains to debrief and talk strategy. They were also awaiting to retrieve their belongings left in the chancellor’s office that the campus confiscated them.

Huff said that CU officials gathered and were returning their belongings to the group.

“They could have said by the end of business today, come get your things,” said group member P.D. Gantert. “They gave Lior two minutes to get out.”

The students had been living in the chancellor’s office since last Thursday, leaving to go to class, work and bathe.

“This action clearly demonstrates they are not on the side of students taking action,” Gross said.

Fossil Free CU is planning to hold a rally at 3 p.m. on Friday at the UMC Fountains.

Elizabeth Hernandez: 303-473-1106, hernandeze@dailycamera.com