CMC and the First Amendment

On Constitution Day, Sept. 17, America had an opportunity to reflect on the document that secures our freedoms. I had planned to use this holiday to celebrate the founding of Colorado Mountain College’s new Center for Civics Education and Engagement .

But recent acts of political violence in our nation have made celebration feel out of place. Instead, this moment called for clarity — and reassurance — about CMC’s unbending commitment to respectful, dignified dialogue as captured in the principle of free speech, our indispensable right.

I may be one of the few college presidents who regularly teaches undergraduate courses. This semester, I am teaching American history, which offers endless opportunities to wrestle with our nation’s founding principles and to be inspired by students from