Colorado State University is revising its human resources policies and staffing arrangements to comply with the Trump administration’s directives that curtail diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. The policy shift has sparked student protests on the Fort Collins campus, with critics decrying the move as capitulation to an authoritarian federal agenda.

Colorado State University altered staffing assignments, HR policies, and its website to comply with Trump administration anti-DEI directives, a move that has sparked campus protests amid broader concerns over the rollback of diversity efforts.

About 300 students and supporters rallied at Colorado State University on February 19, 2025, protesting the administration's preemptive compliance with a federal directive to end diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility programs. The demonstrators accused the university of capitulating to authoritarian pressures and emphasized the importance of upholding inclusive educational policies and support for marginalized communities.

Colorado State University Fort Collins announced preemptive changes to its human resources policies, including reassigning DEI-focused employees and modifying website content, to comply with the Trump administration's order to end race-conscious policies. The decision has sparked protests from students and raised concerns over the weakening of support for marginalized communities.

Colorado State University's veterinary diagnostic laboratory, led by director Kristy Pabilonia, conducted testing that confirmed bird flu in a cat named Leonardo DiCaprio in January 2025. This effort provided critical public health data during an escalating outbreak among domestic cats.

Colorado State University has detailed its security camera system access protocols that require individuals to request access and undergo periodic background checks. The system, managed via approved client software and strict viewing regulations, is intended to ensure safety but raises concerns regarding surveillance and potential repressive oversight.

Colorado State University has updated its procurement policy to incorporate sustainable and ethical supply chain practices. The policy stresses responsible sourcing by encouraging suppliers to meet standards in ethics, human rights, health and safety, and environmental practices, thereby reinforcing the university’s commitment to social responsibility and sustainability.

According to OpenSecrets data, Colorado State University spent $680,000 on lobbying in 2023. The expenditure highlights the university’s engagement in political influence activities, raising concerns about the potential prioritization of institutional interests in shaping public policy.

In 2022, Colorado State University spent $550,000 on federal lobbying efforts to maintain its relationships in Washington and secure vital federal funding for its educational and research initiatives, emphasizing a proactive stance in protecting public higher education assets.

CSU custodial staff were reportedly instructed to remove pro-union posters from the Graduate Workers Organizing Cooperative, an action seen as a targeted attempt to undermine union organizing and worker rights. The incident, confirmed by screenshots and responses from officials, marks a concerning instance of alleged union busting at the university.

Graduate student workers at Colorado State University have officially unionized to demand significant wage increases and fee reductions, highlighting longstanding concerns over inadequate stipends and high fees compared to peer institutions.

On May 3, 2022, Colorado State University employees and students organized a public rally in Fort Collins to demand fair wages, demonstrating strong union solidarity and advocacy for worker rights during a Board of Governors Regular Meeting event.

Colorado State University released a comprehensive policy detailing the oversight, installation, and use of electronic surveillance systems. The policy mandates that all new installations and upgrades be reviewed by the Security Technology Committee to ensure they meet strict guidelines designed to protect personal privacy while ensuring public safety.

Colorado State University's School of Social Work organized a lecture titled 'Ethics of Supply Chains in the Global Economy' as part of its Dialogues Around Difference series. The event featured panel discussions on distributive justice, environmental justice, and sustainable venturing, highlighting how ethical practices in global supply chains can promote transparency and counter exploitative models.

Colorado State University released a draft policy on December 3, 2012, outlining strict guidelines for the installation, usage, and oversight of electronic surveillance systems on campus. The policy is designed to ensure that surveillance is used solely for legitimate security purposes, with sufficient safeguards to protect individual privacy and prevent abuses that could lead to authoritarian practices.