As the approval deadline approaches, a community information and feedback session was held for Colorado College’s new Freedom of Expression policy.
Beginning its conceptual development in 2022, the new policy primarily focuses on the clarification and expansion of an existing policy, last revised in 2018.
Headed by Lacy Karpilo, the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, a team from the Dean of Students office, the Office of Institutional Equity and Belonging and the Title IX and Civil Rights Office gathered in Gaylord Hall to answer any questions students had following a presentation outlining the new policy.
The meeting, part of a series of “Know Your Rights & Responsibilities” sessions, was held on Sept. 30, was mostly focused on disseminating information about the philosophy that the Freedom of Expression Work Group—who collectively penned the new policy—used during its multi-year development process.
The Catalyst’s assigned reporter was the only student in attendance.
The new policy is based on existing college policies concerning safety and security, student conduct and federal or Colorado-mandated policies. Work started when the Freedom of Expression Work Group first convened in December of 2023, followed by a research phase throughout 2024, and a series of community feedback sessions held throughout Spring 2025.
Over the course of this last summer, the policy was drafted and now awaits final approval during Block 3 of this year. Like all CC policies (with the exception of legally mandated ones), it will undergo a 30-day review period, which will be the last chance to amend it before it is approved by the president’s Cabinet.
If the change is approved, it will be implemented beginning in the Spring 2026 semester, and Karpilo’s team will host another informational session for the community to understand the new policy.