On Sept. 5, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE) released its annual assessment of the state of free speech on campuses across the U.S. Colorado College climbed 41 places this year to achieve the overall rank of No. 135, but maintained its overall speech climate grade of “F” in regard to its facilitation of expressive freedom, according to FIRE’s website.
To formulate the numerical rating and grade, FIRE takes into account student surveys, campus policies, and any speech-related controversies that have recently occurred. CC’s spotlight rating this year is yellow; which indicates the school possesses at least one policy that restricts protected expression within a narrow scope by virtue of vague wording––the FIRE website gives the example of a school prohibiting “posters containing references to alcohol or drugs.”
Qualitative interviews with CC students on the FIRE website include an anonymous pull quote from a CC student stating, “Because I tend to be more moderate, I don’t always agree with strong liberal responses. I can’t give any specific examples right off the bat, but it has happened a few times in class where I’ve held my tongue on certain issues fearing that my peers would attack me based on my political viewpoints.” The student’s view is corroborated by the marked decrease in student faith in political tolerance on campus, as reported in the data.
When asked for his thoughts on the refreshed FIRE ranking, Student Body President Royce Hinojosa ‘26 remarked that he was unsurprised at the improvement. “Our Freedom of Expression policy is currently being changed to better reflect student voice and make procedures more clear. I’m particularly impressed with this policy because the group making the changes is going beyond what’s required.” He cited the team of administrators, professors, civil rights and Title IX experts’ actions in soliciting feedback from on-campus stakeholders and consistent incorporation of comments from review sessions with CCSGA.
The group he refers to is headed by Dean of Students Lucy Karpilo. Colorado College began revision of its Freedom of Expression policy in December 2023.
In response to demand from faculty, students, and staff expressing “a need for greater understanding of CC’s philosophy on freedom of expression” and its exercise on campus, the administration has hosted several community dialogues and conducted anonymous surveys to collect feedback.
“Using the feedback from our CC Community, along with legal requirements, and recognized effective practices that protect and promote free expression, a new policy was developed. The policy will enter a 30-day review period in November and will take effect in Spring 2026.”
She noted in her statement that this work aligns with CC’s mission of emphasizing “the central principles of intellect and imagination,” in a collective effort to protect freedom of expression as well as the “civil rights and equal rights of all members of the CC community, along with their health and safety.”
Hinojosa went on to say that while he is happy to see CC achieve a better ranking, FIRE’s assessment “shouldn’t stand as the end-all, be-all for campus freedom of speech.” He noted the importance of evaluating “overly-punitive conduct processes, feelings of safety for underrepresented students, and the nuance between constructive conversation and harmful rhetoric” as essential factors to balance in continuing to improve the school’s culture.
Students will be offered the opportunity to provide thoughts and feedback on the Freedom of Expression policy during the review period in November.