As part of the Thematic Year of Democracy, Colorado State University hosted a panel discussion on March 25 about free speech and the role that the First Amendment plays at CSU.
The discussion, moderated by CSU President Amy Parsons, was held in Lory Student Center Ballroom D and featured an overview of how the First Amendment applies to public universities as well as answers to questions submitted by the audience.
The panelists were:
- Kyle Henley, CSU vice president for university marketing and communications.
- Jason Johnson, general counsel for the CSU System.
- Jannine Mohr, deputy general counsel for CSU Fort Collins.
- Rye Vigil, CSU assistant vice president for inclusive excellence.
Johnson and Mohr explained many of the legal nuances of how the First Amendment applies to public universities like CSU, which are government entities that are subject to the restrictions of the First Amendment.
Questions fielded by the panelists prompted discussions on a variety of topics, including the differences between speech in a very public space like the Lory Student Center Plaza, for instance, versus in a residence hall or an employee’s office.
Other topics included the difference between academic freedom and the First Amendment, exceptions to the First Amendment, hate speech, CSU’s Principles of Community, student support and the degree of control faculty have over speech in their classes.