The university’s actions, including engaging with a student affected by complaints over offensive remarks and maintaining its DEI policies in the face of a politically motivated lawsuit, demonstrate a commitment to protecting free speech while upholding the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion. This proactive stance against far‐right legal pressures places the university on the anti-authoritarian side of the spectrum.

Trump Law Firm Targets University of Colorado Boulder in 'DEI' Free Speech Lawsuit

The university's alleged decision to revoke approved costume modifications—deemed necessary on religious grounds—constitutes a suppression of free speech and a failure to protect academic freedom. Such actions undermine democratic principles and can set a concerning precedent for censorship in educational institutions.

University of Colorado Boulder Sued for Suppression of Student’s Free Speech in Music Program

The lawsuit accuses the university of deploying ambiguous and ideological policies to suppress open dialogue, an action reflective of authoritarian practices. Penalizing a student's inquiry under the guise of nondiscrimination indicates a misuse of institutional power that limits free speech, aligning with patterns of authoritarian behavior.

University of Colorado Boulder Faces Free Speech Lawsuit Over Alleged Censorship of Student in Choral Ensemble

The disciplinary actions taken by CU Boulder officials, which include imposing an interim exclusion order on protest participants and penalizing a student organization for their pro-Palestinian stance, are seen as suppressing free speech. Such measures undermine democratic values and free academic expression, aligning the university’s actions with authoritarian practices. This has serious implications for public and political behavior, especially in an academic setting where open debate is essential.

CU Boulder officials sued for response to Israel-Hamas war protest

The university’s reported lobbying expenditure of $262,961 in 2023 indicates active political engagement. There is no evidence linking this spending to support for authoritarian or far‐right ideologies. Given that public institutions generally lobby in support of public education and research priorities, this activity is assessed slightly positively from an anti‐fascist perspective.

University of Colorado Lobbying Profile • OpenSecrets

The walkout underscores systemic issues in labor practices at CU Boulder, where non-tenure track faculty and staff struggle with insufficient wages despite comparable qualifications. The failure to recognize the union and address fair pay demands reflects a disregard for workers' rights, aligning with authoritarian neglect of labor equity. This event is rated negatively from an anti-fascist perspective as it signals corporate indifference towards marginalized employees.

‘We need a raise’: CU Boulder faculty, staff walk out to demand higher wages

The union walkout demonstrates a strong collective effort by CU Boulder workers to demand fair wages and improved working conditions. This labor protest aligns with progressive, anti-fascist values by resisting exploitative economic practices and promoting workers’ rights. The action underscores the importance of equitable labor relations and challenges structural inequalities within the institution.

In photos: CU Boulder union workers hold walkout over 'untenable' pay

The walkout underscores deep issues in the university's labor practices as it fails to ensure equitable wages and working conditions for vulnerable, non-tenure track academics and staff. This neglect not only harms the workers directly but also reflects broader structural inequalities that contribute to economic exploitation, falling short from an anti-fascist and worker-rights perspective.

University of Colorado Boulder faculty and staff hold walkout over wages

The deployment of Flock Safety cameras, even with stated privacy measures, extends the reach of surveillance technology into academic spaces. Such technology can contribute to an environment of increased monitoring and control, a tactic often associated with authoritarian practices. This negative score reflects concerns over potential misuse and the broader trend of surveillance that may undermine civil liberties.

License plate reader technology utilized on CU Boulder campus

The introduction of license plate reader technology, even with strict data retention and usage policies, is a form of surveillance that contributes to an environment of heightened state and institutional monitoring. This deployment, while aimed at enhancing campus safety, carries the risk of being misused or expanded into more oppressive practices, thereby aligning with repressive technology trends.

Innovative license plate reader technology now in use on CU Boulder campus

The report shows that University of Colorado Boulder spent over $1 million on lobbying in 2023. This raises concerns about the use of institutional resources to influence public policy, potentially undermining democratic transparency. From an anti-fascist perspective, such expenditure can be seen as contributing to concentrated power dynamics and corporate influence over government processes.

University of Colorado Lobbying Reports - OpenSecrets

The university’s significant federal lobbying expenditure underscores its proactive engagement in the political process to secure essential funding for its public research and educational missions. While extensive political spending often raises concerns, in this case the investment is directed towards sustaining vital public services and democratic engagement rather than advancing authoritarian or far‐right interests.

Federal lobbying surged in Colorado amid COVID cash