We, the undersigned, hereby affirm the importance of both the right to free speech and the nationally recognized standard of academic freedom in support of quality instruction and scholarship. Recent statements and actions by Coloradoвs state legislature and Coloradoвs governor move dangerously close to violating both the tenets of the First Amendment and Academic Freedom. As American citizens, we maintain that freedom of speech must be defended for all в including those with unpopular or controversial views. An environment that supports the discussion and debate of all viewpoints, without threat of control or sanction by government bodies, is central to the mission of all colleges and universities. We urge government officials in the state of Colorado to continue to foster an atmosphere that supports the free and open exchange of ideas, and thus ensures the quality of higher education in our state.

The undersigned strongly oppose state mandated restrictions on academic freedom. Dissenting political opinions, no matter how controversial, are an essential component of a healthy democracy. Colorado's elected officials do not have a right to impose arbitrary limitations the range of "acceptable" speech and we believe our political representatives should make every effort to preserve, rather than undermine, the fundamental freedoms guaranteed to all Americans.