Enacted Campus Free Speech Statutes – Colorado

In 2017, Colorado enacted SB17-062, now Colo. Rev. Stat. § 23-5-144.

SB17-062 Summary

SB17-062 eliminates policies that quarantine speech to misleadingly labeled “free speech zones,” defends the right to freely express views on freely chosen subjects throughout campus, and provides a judicial remedy for violations of expressive rights.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits public institutions from quarantining speech with “free speech zones”;
• Prohibits public institutions from limiting or disciplining student expression based on content, viewpoint, or a hostile reaction from others; and
• Creates a cause of action allowing an aggrieved student to file a lawsuit to enforce their rights under the statute.

FIRE Commentary

Colorado passes bipartisan bill to strike down speech restrictions on campus