Spotlight 2024
COVER STORY
DEMOCRACY ON CAMPUS
Teaching, learning, and experiencing our nation’s core principles
During the 2024 election year, CSU System campuses are asking, “How should democracy be taught, learned, and experienced so that academics meet the challenges of our times?” The System’s flagship in Fort Collins is going further, by leading a thematic year of Democracy and Civic Engagement to encourage the entire campus community to examine and uphold the nation’s core principles.
FEATURES
Tough talk
As publicly funded institutions, public colleges and universities are beholden to the First Amendment – and that presents modern complexities for campuses nationwide. These days, free expression is among the most fraught issues in higher education because campuses are challenged to uphold a pillar of U.S. democracy, while also improving the learning environment for historically marginalized students.
Activism amps up
During the tumultuous 1960s, activism and political protests increased at Colorado State University: Students at the typically quiet and conservative campus joined others across the country in exercising their First Amendment rights during the decade defined by the Vietnam War, countercultural movements, and the civil rights era. Here’s a look at activities that made headlines.
An immigrant student’s view
Democracy is viewed through a different lens by student leader Laxman Adhikari at CSU Global. He grew up during a civil war in Nepal and had a first-hand view of the country’s move from monarchy to fragile democracy. Now, his home country is bedeviled by corruption and economic uncertainty, leading Adhikari to observe: “The promise of democracy is not always true.”
Echo chambers
You can hardly mention “democracy” without raising the issue of social media. Online platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, and X, have become a leading way Americans experience democracy – and have dramatically influenced what people think about our form of governance.
We need to talk
The Center for Public Deliberation is a key asset at Colorado State University in supporting local democracy and teaching students about democratic principles. Over nearly 20 years, the center has trained about 500 students in the workings of local government, so they are ready to function as foot soldiers for local democracy.
PERSPECTIVES
Democracy: top of mind on campus
At the start of a presential election year, and in a time of political polarization, the magazine examines how democracy is addressed on our campuses, explains CSU System Chancellor Tony Frank.
A laboratory for democracy
It’s time for land-grant universities, including Colorado State, to renew an emphasis on the nation’s ideals, writes President Amy Parsons.
Court order
The First Amendment prohibits public universities from interfering with expression, explains Jannine Mohr, who leads the CSU legal team.
A senator’s start
Former U.S. Sen. Cory Gardner describes how candidacy for CSU student government helped prepare him for the halls of the U.S. Capitol.
ESSAYS
Student leaders on “What democracy means to me”
Seats at the table
Hannah Prinzi, a CSU student studying English and political science, describes the importance of seats at the table.
Active engagement
Aaron Johannes, a CSU Global student in construction management, discusses democratic involvement during and after military service.
Representation
Shaylan Wilson, a CSU Pueblo student in psychology and media, details the ripple effects of representation.
Opportunity
Pheonix Espinoza, a CSU student in biomedical sciences, writes about the impact of opportunity.
Sacrifice
Matt Copley, an ROTC leader in business at CSU, illuminates the value of sacrifice through military service.